Onsemi to Enhance Silicon Carbide Manufacturing in Czech Republic with $2 Billion Investment
US-based semiconductor giant Onsemi has unveiled plans to invest approximately $2 billion to expand its manufacturing plant in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, Czech Republic. This significant investment will focus on enhancing vertically integrated silicon carbide manufacturing capabilities at the current site.
This strategic multi-year investment aims to strengthen the advanced power semiconductor supply chain for Onsemi's European and global clientele. The expansion will bring critical manufacturing capabilities for energy-efficient chips to Central Europe, supporting the future of electrification, renewable energy, and AI advancements.
Recognized as one of the largest private sector investments in the Czech Republic’s history, and a pioneering effort in advanced semiconductor manufacturing within Central Europe, this initiative marks a significant milestone.
Hassane El-Khoury, President and CEO of Onsemi, stated, “Our brownfield investment will establish a Central European supply chain to better meet our customers’ growing demand for innovative technologies that enhance energy efficiency in their applications. Collaborating closely with the Czech government, this expansion will bolster our production of intelligent power semiconductors, crucial for the European Union’s goals to reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact.”
Jozef Sikela, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, highlighted the significance of Onsemi’s decision, saying, “Onsemi’s expansion in Czechia reaffirms our country’s appeal for foreign investment and will greatly boost our economy. This investment not only strengthens our position in the semiconductor industry but also supports the automotive sector’s transition to electromobility.”
Onsemi, headquartered in Arizona, currently produces 10 million chips daily at the Rožnov pod Radhoštěm facility. The site’s development will enable the production of intelligent power semiconductors designed to improve energy efficiency in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and AI data centers.
The Czech government has emphasized that this investment will significantly increase production at the site, with employment projected to rise from 1,700 to 3,000 jobs. A package of investment incentives with Onsemi is yet to be finalized.
Onsemi employs 33,000 people globally, including 2,200 staff across its three Czech plants.