AP&S opens new manufacturing plant in Donaueschingen

Production Manager Philipp Scheu with COO Tobias Drixler at the key handover for the opening of AP&S Plant 3 (from left to right).

Approximately 2000 m² of production space offers the new AP&S plant at Friedrich-Ebert-Str. 92 in Allmendshofen. Space that is urgently needed. "Only by expanding our production capacity can we meet the high order volume," says COO Tobias Drixler. "With our key technology for semiconductor manufacturing, we are also affected by the worldwide increased demand for microchips. Semiconductor manufacturers urgently need our wet process systems for their production facilities. Shortening delivery times for these and increasing capacity is our top priority."

It was only in 2019 that manufacturing was expanded at the AP&S headquarters and Plant 2 was inaugurated, both in Donaueschingen-Aasen. By the end of 2020, it was clear that the next expansion step would not be long in coming.

"The challenge of quickly expanding capacity runs throughout the entire semiconductor industry. Chip manufacturers report planned billion-dollar investments on a weekly basis. These bring a high demand for manufacturing equipment. In the long term, the demand for semiconductors will not diminish. They are essential components of every modern technology. More digitalization and more e-mobility necessarily mean more microchips. Therefore, the step with another manufacturing hall was also very strategically important for us," explains Tobias Drixler. "In addition, our main plant in Aasen is currently being expanded by 1000 m². The extension is planned to house some administrative areas and logistics in the future. The move is scheduled for Q2."

Almost 20 manufacturing employees are initially based in Plant 3. Pre-assembly and module construction are the main tasks. Construction work began in October last year, and the move started in January 2022. From this week, the regular manufacturing operations will begin. "Additional space is great. Now we urgently need reinforcement for our team. We are looking for plastic locksmiths, carpenters, commissioning engineers, as well as trainees in mechatronics and process engineering. Interested applicants and especially career changers who enjoy plant construction are welcome to apply," says Production Manager Philipp Scheu.