02/04/2021 16:05:00 CET, Reutlingen Minority interest in CADIS Engineering GmbH, a specialist for industrial inkjet systems, completed | Functional printing has the potential to integrate electrical functions or batteries into surfaces of components | Combination of the engineering know-how of both companies for optimal development of the growth market | Investment sum of Manz AG in the lower single-digit million-euro range   Manz AG, a global high-tech engineering company with an extensive technology portfolio, is acquiring a stake in CADIS Engineering GmbH, thus opening up digital printing technology for direct printing on components (direct2shape). The investment follows Manz AG's corporate strategy of further developing its technology portfolio in promising future industries through targeted M&A activities.   CADIS is one of the leading suppliers in the field of industrial high-end inkjet solutions for markets such as automotive, packaging, food or pharma. The company develops, builds and sells complete or partially integrated special-purpose machines for inkjet printing in the best print quality in the market. This know-how is now being combined with Manz AG's decades of industrialization expertise. In an expected mass market, Manz and CADIS will thus be able to provide customers with fully comprehensive production solutions from a single source.   Martin Drasch, CEO of Manz AG, comments: "The partnership with CADIS is an investment in the future, as we see a lot of potential, especially in the field of functional printing. For example, by bundling our technological competencies, products with special electronic functions or even batteries in the surface can be manufactured. Customers thus benefit from technical innovation combined with industrial sustainability and a global organizational structure. We are sure that together we will be able to strongly advance the development of industrial production solutions in this area."   Rainer Kötzer, Managing Director of CADIS Engineering GmbH, adds: "Through the partnership between Manz and CADIS, we offer our customers a sustainable unique selling point for industrial inkjet system solutions. The development towards digitalisation, individualisation and small batch sizes with increasing industrial integration of inkjet printing in production processes places the highest demands on the interaction between automation and printing technology. With Manz AG's investment in CADIS, ‘excellence in automation’ and ‘high-end inkjet expertise’ are combined to create a solution and technology competence that is unique in the market. In addition to current applications for digital printing production solutions, we will continue to be a strong partner for our customers in the future for the promising prospects of further development of digital inkjet printing solutions."  

01/26/2021 08:10:00 CET, Reutlingen Sale of shares to Lam Research successfully completed | Proceeds from the sale in the mid double-digit million-euro range | Proceeds to strengthen strategic core business, above all the Energy Storage segment   The sale of Manz AG's 80.5% stake in Talus Manufacturing Ltd. to Lam Research Corporation was successfully completed after all regulatory approvals in Taiwan were granted. Previously, Lam Research's stake was 19.5%. The sale price is in the mid double-digit million-euro range and serves Manz AG to further focus on its strategic core business. In particular, the funds are to be used for the expansion of the fast-growing Energy Storage segment.   Lam Research Corporation, headquartered in the United States, is a global provider of wafer fabrication equipment and services to the semiconductor industry. In 2016, Talus Manufacturing had commenced operations as Lam's "Global Refurbishment Center" and has since been managed by Manz AG in the Contract Manufacturing segment. From the beginning, the company's focus was on the modernization and refurbishment of existing semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Since then, Talus Manufacturing had developed very positively. This is also reflected in the average annual growth rate of around 125% since its foundation.   Martin Drasch, CEO of Manz AG, comments: "The cooperation with Lam Research is a true success story. Due to the very positive company development, the value of our investment has multiplied since its inception in 2016. The sale of our shares now results in a one-time effect on earnings, which we will invest in our strategic core business. We will focus in particular on the high-growth Energy Storage segment. Thanks to the enormous market momentum worldwide, we recorded orders of more than 100 million euros here in 2020. And for 2021, we expect that numerous growth opportunities will again present themselves to us as a high-tech machinery manufacturer. We want to make even better use of this potential through the investments that are now possible."  

11/11/2020 09:52:00 CET Exercise of the call option: Lam Research Corporation will acquire Manz's 80.5% share in Talus Manufacturing Ltd. | Date of legal validity depends on official approvals | Sales proceeds are primarily intended to strengthen the strategic core segments, especially the Energy Storage segment   U.S. based Lam Research Corporation, a global supplier of innovative wafer fabrication equipment and services to the semiconductor industry, today informed Manz AG that it will acquire the interest in Talus Manufacturing Ltd. held by Manz Taiwan Ltd. Lam Research Corporation's interest in Talus Manufacturing Ltd. had previously amounted to 19.5%. By exercising the contractually agreed call option, Lam Research will acquire the remaining 80.5%. The exact date from which the acquisition will be legally effective is still subject to regulatory approvals in Taiwan. The agreed selling price is in the mid double-digit million-euro range. Among other things, the proceeds are to be invested in the expansion of the dynamically growing Energy Storage segment, thus strengthening the core business.   Talus Manufacturing started operations in Taiwan in 2016 and has since been managed within the Contract Manufacturing segment. As a "Global Refurbishment Center", the company focuses on the modernization and refurbishment of existing equipment for the production of semiconductors. An average annual growth rate of around 125% since Talus Manufacturing was founded reflects the successful cooperation between Manz and Lam Research.   Martin Drasch, Manz AG's CEO, comments: "With Talus Manufacturing, we can look back on a successful cooperation with Lam Research in Taiwan, which was reflected not only in the company's positive earnings growth. Since its inception in 2016, the value of our share in Talus Manufacturing has increased significantly. The resulting one-off effect on earnings therefore enables us to invest even more heavily in our strategic core business and to exploit existing growth opportunities even more efficiently".   Irrespective of Talus Manufacturing Ltd., Manz AG was able to broaden its customer base in the Contract Manufacturing segment in 2020 and to report new orders at both its Slovakian and Chinese site. From its previous cooperation with Lam Research in Taiwan, Manz was not only able to acquire valuable expertise for future projects in the Contract Manufacturing segment but will also remain in close relationship with Lam Research.  

06/02/2020 10:00:00 CEST Cooperation agreement concluded with a leading German manufacturer in the electrical engineering industry | Collaboration with a leading semiconductor specialist successfully started in China | Global production network well positioned for further orders in the contract manufacturing sector   Manz AG, a global high-tech engineering company with an extensive technology portfolio, is registering lively interest in contract manufacturing from a wide range of industries. The Reutlingen-based engineering company is thus further expanding its business in the contract manufacturing segment at its locations in Slovakia and China.     Manz has concluded a long-term cooperation agreement with a leading German manufacturer in the electrical engineering industry. At the Slovakian location highly complex system modules for the semiconductor industry will be produced initially. The Slovakian team already has longstanding experience with similar orders for this industry. Furthermore, Manz has also entered into a partnership with a leading semiconductor manufacturer at its facility in Suzhou, China. In addition to contract manufacturing for this customer, a cooperation for the commissioning of equipment at the end customer's premises is also planned.   Jürgen Knie, Manz AG's COO, comments on the positive developments: "We are very pleased that we are continuously able to convince new companies of our contract manufacturing services. Especially in the currently difficult market environment we are registering lively interest in our outsourcing solutions, particularly for the global support of installation and commissioning. With our modern global production network, highly qualified employees and a wide range of services, we can satisfy partners from various industries. Our customers appreciate us for our high production quality, cost efficiency and supply chain expertise. With our many years of market experience, we believe that we are very well positioned to win new customers in the contract manufacturing sector.”     Manz has modern and well-equipped production facilities and offers clients full access to the infrastructure of Manz Group's locations worldwide. For the production and assembly areas as well as the clean room areas (Class 8), Manz specialists are available for assembly and production, as well as service technicians and quality specialists. This allows Manz to guarantee its clients high production quality in line with German standards.

05/19/2020 09:00:00 CEST Order for wet-chemical equipment for display production | New follow-up order from one of China's largest display manufacturers   Manz AG, a global high-tech engineering company with an extensive technology portfolio, has received an order with a total volume in the low double-digit million euro range for display production equipment.    The follow-up order from one of China's largest display manufacturers and a long-standing Manz AG customer includes wet-chemical equipment for the production of large-format displays on 8.6 generation substrates (2250 x 2610 mm). Around 60% of the order from the Electronics division will impact revenues and earnings in the current fiscal year. Manz AG's forecast for 2020 already includes the revenue and earnings contributions from this order.   Martin Drasch, Manz AG's CEO, commented: "We are pleased that our quality is convincing, that we enjoy the trust of leading industry players and that these companies have been among our loyal customer base for many years. Even in the current extraordinary situation, which is characterized by numerous restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are still ready to serve our customers thanks to our global production network. They appreciate this very much and rely on our engineering skills and our many years of successful cooperation. For this reason, all commissioned projects are currently being continued as planned and new projects are being driven forward."    Manz was awarded the current contract based on the reliability and high quality of its production equipment, as well as the very short ramp-up phases in past, successfully completed projects. With decades of expertise in wet-chemical processes and automation, Manz is well positioned in the Asian display industry.

01/14/2020 07:30:00 CET Manz AG and China's leading manufacturer of automation solutions in the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries join forces | Best-in-class portfolio by combining the best production technology of both companies | Cooperation strengthens respective market positions and improves market access in Europe, China and the USA   Manz AG, a global high-tech engineering company with a comprehensive technology portfolio, has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Shenzhen Yinghe Technology Co. Ltd. in the Energy Storage segment. Yinghe, which is listed on the stock exchange, was founded in 2006 and is engaged in research and development, production and sales of intelligent automation solutions for the manufacture of lithium-ion battery cells.   Martin Drasch, CEO of Manz AG: "In view of the expected market dynamics for energy storage technologies worldwide, our cooperation with Yinghe will create a real added value for our customers. We bring together the best of both product portfolios for efficient cell and module production and can now offer our worldwide customers the complete technology spectrum for the manufacture of lithium-ion battery cells from a single source. By focusing on our respective core competencies, we create synergies, streamline our individual portfolio through a targeted focus and are thus able to significantly reduce our cost base while simultaneously improving product quality. I am convinced that this step will significantly improve our starting position in getting contracts for future projects."   The cooperation enables Manz and Yinghe to jointly offer their customers the best production technology from the respective product portfolio within the framework of a licensing model. In addition to the joint project management, both partners have agreed on mutual support for research and development activities related to production facilities for lithium-ion batteries. The existing intellectual property remains exclusively with the respective company. Inventions and improvements developed within the framework of the cooperation belong together to Manz and Yinghe.  

04/04/2019 08:00:00 CEST The new customer is the biggest supplier of LCD flat panel displays worldwide | The order includes equipment for manufacturing new generation 10.5 displays | Order of the new customer confirms Manz AG's strong position on the Asian market   Manz AG, a global high-tech equipment manufacturer with a comprehensive technology portfolio, has received an order for equipment used in display production from the world-leading supplier of LCD flat panel displays. The order, with a total volume of 16 million USD (approx. 14 million euro) includes wet-chemical process equipment and automation solutions.   The delivery of equipment for manufacturing displays in G10.5 format (2940 mm x 3370 mm) is planned for the second half of 2019 and the first half of 2020. The Electronics segment order will impact sales and earnings, at roughly 50 % of the order volume in the 2019 fiscal year and roughly 50 % of the order volume in the next year. The 2019 forecast already includes revenues and earnings from this order. The order is the first from this display manufacturer, and underscores Manz AG's strong position within the Asian display industry. With its long-term experience and locations in Taiwan and China, Manz AG has already been successful in carrying out numerous orders for major Asian display manufacturers in the past.   Martin Drasch, CEO of Manz AG, comments: "Manz has now had its own locations in Asia for over 10 years, and is one of the best-known and popular machine manufacturers for the display industry. The fact that we have been able to gain such an important new customer is clear evidence of our outstanding positioning. The customer is an innovation leader in the display industry, and was impressed by our high quality and very short ramp-up phases. However, our intensified sales activities over the last year to sustainably expand our customer base, are also paying off. Overall we are very confident that we will be able to continue growing in this market."   Manz AG offers its customers on the Asian market high-tech production systems with German quality standards and innovative capacity at locally competitive prices. With its strong local presence and over 650 employees in Taiwan and China, Manz is close to its customers and offers excellent service and individual advice.

08/09/2018 07:31:00 CEST Order received for display production equipment with a volume of 90 million USD – Follow-up order from one of China's largest display manufacturers – Display production equipment for the latest generation 10.5 launched.   Manz AG, a globally active manufacturer of high-tech equipment with a comprehensive technology portfolio, has received a major order for display production equipment. The order, with a total volume of 90 million USD (approx. 76 million euros), has come from one of China's largest display manufacturers and it includes wet chemical processing equipment along with automation solutions. The first pieces of equipment for the manufacture of large-format displays on generation 8.6 substrates (2,250 x 2,610 mm) will be delivered starting in the fourth quarter of 2018. This order in the segment Electronics will effect revenues and earnings in the 2018 and 2019 fiscal year, with roughly a share of 30 % falling within fiscal year 2018 and the remaining 70% within the following year. The earnings and revenues have already been included in the 2018 Manz AG forecast.   This large-scale order follows a project from 2016 that Manz AG has successfully fulfilled for the same customer. The customer was especially impressed by the high quality and the performance capabilities of Manz AG's production equipment along with the short and seamless ramp-up phase. With decades of expertise in wet chemical processes and automation, Manz enjoys an outstanding position in the Asian display industry.   As Eckhard Hörner-Marass, CEO of Manz AG, notes: "We feel that receiving a follow-up order from our Chinese customer is confirmation of our excellent market position in the display industry. High efficiency, good quality as well as our outstanding customer proximity and service availability in China and Taiwan are key competitive advantages that Manz AG offers. We very recently applied our proven experience to the largest generation 10.5 substrate, responding to the market trend towards ever-larger formats. We can now also support our customers by providing production solutions for the size 2,940 x 3,370 mm."   With its development and production sites in Taiwan and China and through close collaboration with its customers, Manz AG recognizes industry trends early on and is able to win out in direct competition with Asian companies by offering German quality standards at competitive prices.

01/04/2018 12:06:00 CET Manz AG announces that ground has been broken on schedule for the CIGS turnkey line (CIGSfab) for serial production of CIGS thin film solar modules in China. Also the project for the CIGS research line (CIGSlab) is proceeding on schedule.   ▪️Groundbreaking for CIGSfab in Chongqing took place ▪️Completion of major projects in CIGS thin film solar segment within planned timeline   Manz AG, a worldwide high-tech equipment manufacturer with an extensive technology portfolio, announces that ground has been broken on schedule for the CIGS turnkey line (CIGSfab) for serial production of CIGS thin film solar modules in China. Also the project for the CIGS research line (CIGSlab) is proceeding on schedule.   Eckhard Hörner-Marass, Management Board Chairman of Manz AG, remarks: "A good report for the start of the year: we are right on track with our preliminary work in our solar project and are within the scheduled timeline."   On about 58,000 square meters in Chongqing City, a Chinese metropolis of 32 million residents, the 306 MW CIGSfab will be the largest production plant for CIGS thin-film solar modules in the country. The new construction is scheduled for completion end of third quarter 2018; production will begin mid of 2019. In the future, about 450 employees will work at the location in Chongqing City. The new construction of the 44 MW CIGSlab research line will be built on about 16,000 square meters in Peking and is also scheduled for completion end of third quarter 2018. The CIGSlab will commence operation beginning of the second quarter 2019. Together with the existing innovation line for CIGS thin film solar modules in Schwäbisch Hall, the CIGSlab will further accelerate the research process with about 170 employees. The goal is to leverage the potential of the CIGS technology for further increases in efficiency and reduction of manufacturing costs.