GlobalFoundries: GlobalFoundries starts expansion of its semiconductor factory in Dresden

GlobalFoundries, Europe’s largest contract manufacturer for semiconductors, officially began the expansion of its German site in Dresden on Tuesday, March 17, heralding the next phase of its “SPRINT” expansion project. Together with its general construction partner Exyte, the company celebrated the symbolic start of construction work on the company premises.

The aim is to increase the production capacity of the plant in the Saxon state capital by more than 110,000 wafers per year by the end of 2028 and to increase the annual capacity to well over one million 300mm wafers. GF is thus responding to the growing demand for high-performance, energy-efficient semiconductors and at the same time strengthening security of supply for customers in key sectors such as the automotive industry, industrial automation and communications technology. To this end, the existing cleanroom and laboratory space will be expanded by around ten percent to approximately 65,000 square meters.

As part of the SPRINT project, GF plans to invest EUR 1.1 billion in the expansion of the Dresden site. The project is largely funded by the federal government and the Free State of Saxony as part of the European Chips Act and strengthens the region’s role as the core of the Silicon Saxony microelectronics cluster.

“Today’s official start of construction is a visible signal: GlobalFoundries continues to invest in Dresden for the long term and secures high-quality jobs in the region,” says Dr. Manfred Horstmann, General Manager and Senior Vice President at GlobalFoundries. “With SPRINT, we are creating an additional supply for the growing European chip demand in key industries such as automotive, industrial automation, defense, aerospace and medical technology. At the same time, the project will lay the foundation for future innovations in areas such as energy-efficient electronics, artificial intelligence and quantum technology.”

“With SPRINT, we are not just expanding a fab, we are strengthening a central pillar of the European semiconductor industry,” emphasizes Jürgen Raschendorfer, member of the Stuttgart-based company’s Management Board and Chief Operating Officer with responsibility for Europe. “Exyte has accompanied the development of this site since the foundation stone was laid almost three decades ago – and we are proud to once again make a decisive contribution to the future of GlobalFoundries in Dresden. This project illustrates how closely and trustingly GlobalFoundries and Exyte have been working together for many years.”

Outlook for the next construction phases

The construction phase that has already started includes the extended shell and the construction of additional clean room and technical areas. At the same time, an existing building will be converted into a clean room for wafer production and connected to the 25 km long, highly automated transport system, which transports wafer boxes between the process systems precisely, dust-free and around the clock.

The first new production tools are to be installed as early as the second half of 2026, before GlobalFoundries gradually moves into the production-related qualification and ramp-up phase. The aim is to fully integrate the additional capacities into ongoing operations by the end of 2028, thereby making an important contribution to the security of supply for European industry.

The rapid approval procedures for SPRINT are worth highlighting. In close coordination between the city, state and federal government, the necessary steps were completed very quickly – an important location factor in ensuring that major projects in the semiconductor industry can move quickly from planning to implementation.

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About GF

GlobalFoundries (GF) is a leading manufacturer of semiconductors that the world relies on to live, work and connect. We innovate and collaborate with our customers to develop more energy-efficient and higher-performance products for the automotive industry, smart mobile devices, the Internet of Things, communications infrastructure and other high-growth markets. With a global manufacturing base spanning the US, Europe and Asia, GF is a trusted and reliable source for customers around the world. Every day, our talented and diverse team delivers results with an unwavering focus on safety, durability and sustainability. For more information, visit www.gf.com.

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About Exyte

Exyte is a global leader in the design, engineering and supply of ultra-clean and sustainable equipment for the high-tech industry. With its unique expertise, which the company has been continuously developing for over a century, Exyte supplies customers in the highly complex semiconductor, battery cell, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and data center industries. Exyte offers its customers worldwide a comprehensive range of services – from consulting to the implementation of turnkey solutions in compliance with the highest safety and quality standards. The company creates a better future by enabling key industries to improve the quality of modern life. The basis for the company’s success is its 12,000 motivated and highly qualified employees worldwide.

© 2026 GlobalFoundries Inc. GF®, GlobalFoundries®, the GF logos and other GF marks are trademarks of GlobalFoundries Inc. or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Forward-looking information

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Readers should not place undue importance on such forward-looking statements. They reflect the views only as of the date of their publication. GF assumes no obligation to update these statements after the date of publication or to conform them to actual developments, unless required by law.

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Press contact:

Marian Möbius, Manager Corporate Communications EMEA

Email: marian.moebius@globalfoundries.com | Phone: 0172-5885944

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Further links

👉 GlobalFoundries website

This translation was generated automatically.