01/18/2022 09:00:00 CET, Reutlingen Order from a leading manufacturer of semiconductors worth around USD 20 million | Massive market growth in the chip industry driven by global megatrends such as IoT and digitalization as well as electromobility and autonomous driving | Order will affect revenues and earnings in equal parts in 2022 and 2023   Manz AG, a globally active high-tech equipment manufacturer with a comprehensive technology portfolio, is facing continued interest in its high-tech manufacturing equipment in the new year. For example, Manz has received an order worth around USD 20 million from a leading producer of semiconductors, which will affect revenues and earnings in roughly equal parts in 2022 and 2023.   For chip production, Manz AG's new customer relies on the innovative Fan-Out Panel Level Packaging (FOPLP) process. For the realization of FOPLP with simultaneous coating of the microchips with an additional metal layer to further optimize the performance parameters of the chips (redistribution layer), Manz is the world's only provider of turnkey production lines. As a result, the company has established an exposed position in this growth market in various customer projects over the past few years. In order to realize increasing miniaturization, i.e. ever smaller components with ever greater performance, Fan-Out Panel Level Packaging plays a decisive role. In addition to a significant reduction in volume, thickness, weight, and manufacturing costs of the packaging while doubling the number of pins, the process also has significantly positive effects on the thermal conductivity and speed of the components.   “The number of chips required is rising sharply across industries. This dynamic will continue to intensify, most notably in the automotive industry, for example, due to the megatrends of electromobility and autonomous driving,” comments Martin Drasch, CEO of Manz AG. “In order to enable increasing digitization, miniaturization is a basic prerequisite – that is, the performance of components increases while their size decreases and costs can be significantly reduced at the same time. Manz's equipment has a crucial role to play here: thanks to our comprehensive expertise in all aspects of Fan-Out Panel Level Packaging, we can significantly reduce the volume, thickness, weight, and manufacturing costs of chip packaging – to the benefit of our customers.”  

11/16/2021 10:00:00 CET, Reutlingen Minority investment in Q.big 3D, a specialist in innovative additive manufacturing processes, completed | Partnership expands expertise to include 3D printing to provide customers with fast, flexible, and cost-effective part manufacturing and sampling services | Investment of Manz AG in the lower single-digit million euro range   Manz AG, a globally active high-tech equipment manufacturer with a comprehensive technology portfolio, is acquiring a stake in Q.big 3D, a specialist in the printing of large components using innovative additive manufacturing processes. Through this investment, Manz AG is further expanding its technology portfolio as part of its M&A strategy and is acquiring expertise in a promising future industry.   Q.big 3D is a specialist in the 3D printing of large components. The specially developed technology enables components to be manufactured up to forty times faster than alternative processes, with comparably fine surface structures. This is made possible by the flexibly adjustable nozzle design, which enables both fast, large-volume printing and the application of fine surfaces and structures to the same component. Thus, the process offers advantages over other established 3D printing technologies in terms of printing speed, material costs, surface quality and the possible component sizes. In particular, the use of plastic granulate significantly reduces material costs and also allows serial products as well as prototypes with near-series product characteristics. Manz AG is now combining this know-how with its own decades of industrialization expertise and will thus be able to provide its customers with even more comprehensive production solutions in the future.   Martin Drasch, CEO of Manz AG, comments: "By partnering with Q.big 3D, we are further expanding our technology and competence portfolio. Following our investment in CADIS Engineering GmbH, a specialist for industrial inkjet systems, this is now the next step in order to be able to offer our customers, particularly from the automotive industry, an even more comprehensive service portfolio in the future, for example in the course of prototype production of battery modules or for sampling for pre-series developments. We are also strengthening our Contract Manufacturing segment with this deal, as the innovative technology of Q.big 3D enables us to produce special parts for our customers on a large scale significantly faster and more cost-effectively than before."   Company Profile:   Manz AG – engineering tomorrow’s production   Manz AG is a globally active high-tech engineering company.   With a focus on the automotive industry and electromobility, battery production, electronics, energy, and medical technology, Manz develops and builds innovative and efficient production solutions: From customized single machines for laboratory production or pilot and small series production, to standardized modules and systems, to turnkey lines for mass production.   Technologically, Manz's production equipment is based on many years of experience in automation, laser processing, inspection systems, and wet chemistry.   With currently around 1,400 employees, the Manz Group develops and produces in Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Italy, China and Taiwan. Sales and service subsidiaries also exist in the USA and India.   Manz AG was founded in 1987 and has been listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since 2006. In fiscal year 2020, the Group generated revenues of around 237 million euros.  

08/17/2021 10:00:00 CEST, Reutlingen Since market entry in 1995, Manz has established itself as an esteemed provider of end-to-end automation solutions in the display industry | From hardware to software – automation systems from a single source allow easy integration | Modularization of the systems for quick and easy extensions of production lines and capacities | Customers benefit from more efficient processes, lower manufacturing costs and competitive end products   Manz AG, a globally active high-tech engineering company with a comprehensive technology portfolio, has just delivered its 200th robot handling system for the biggest G10.5 display vacuum coating tool. For more than two decades, Manz has been providing innovative automation solutions along the entire display value chain in Asia. In the process, Manz is constantly developing these automation systems tailored to customers' needs in line with the latest production requirements, demonstrating "best-in-class" high-tech engineering in software and hardware again and again. Manz systems are particularly impressive due to their high quality, reliability, and ease of integration into existing processes.   With its many years of expertise in the development of hardware and software, Manz offers its customers individual solutions from a single source: from production planning to robotics and mechatronics, including optical inspection systems, to comprehensive drive and control systems. In particular, the carbon gripper system developed by Manz ensures maximum stability combined with low vibration and low weight, which virtually eliminates the breakage rate when handling the glass substrates, which are up to 2940 x 3370 mm in size and ultra-thin at 0.4 mm.   In partnership with display manufacturers, Manz's solutions ensure that complex production processes run more efficiently, manufacturing costs are reduced, and end products can be offered competitively. The modularization of production equipment and software allows both a simple and quick expansion of existing production lines and capacities as well as a problem-free conversion of the lines or complete process changeover.   Martin Drasch, CEO of Manz AG, comments: “In the field of automation systems for display manufacturing, we have gained a strong market position over the past years, as of date we have delivered more than 2,800 robot handling systems for all kind of display sizes. We have succeeded in this not least due to the close, partnership-based relationship with our customers; from the development phase to joint commissioning and individual service packages, they rely on our support and expertise. With our many years of experience in wet-chemical processes, we are proven experts in the field of display manufacturing up to Generation 10.5. The enormous increase in displays in modern cars in particular, but also the continuing demand for consumer electronics products such as smart watches, laptops or wearables, is leading to an ever-greater need for displays. With our technology and process experience, we are very well positioned to benefit from these growth trends in the display market in the future.”     The carbon gripper system developed by Manz ensures maximum stability combined with low vibration and low weight  

07/02/2021 10:00:00 CEST, Reutlingen Concept includes modules for planning, simulation, construction and scaling of integrated production systems from a single source | Manz with a holistic view of manufacturing processes in different industries thanks to many years of know-how in automation | Applicable for manufacturing processes with just a few individual steps up to fully automated turnkey production solutions   Manz AG, a global high-tech machine builder, is bundling its comprehensive range of products for the automation of production lines under the name Total Fab Solutions. The range of services offered by Total Fab Solutions includes all implementation steps for automation projects: from factory planning to process and material flow simulation or the integration of existing manufacturing processes to the construction, start-up and optimization of turnkey production solutions to be handed over.   Total Fab Solutions was designed for manufacturing companies across all industries and also covers the requirements of customers who produce under clean room conditions. Manz has already successfully implemented numerous reference projects for companies in the solar, electromobility and medical technology sectors in recent years.   Not off the shelf: Know-how for planning plus implementation expertise   "Thanks to our decades of automation competence, we take a holistic view of the planning and simulation phases of manufacturing processes and also offer implementation strength for the actual construction and commissioning of fully automated production systems," says Dr. Claus Kuhn, Head of Thin Film Solar Business Unit at Manz. "That is exactly what makes Total Fab Solutions unique on the market."   With Total Fab Solutions, Manz is addressing two fundamental challenges for manufacturing companies worldwide: In many places, existing production lines have to be modernized and automated as seamlessly as possible in the course of capacity expansion and under steadily increasing cost pressure. In addition, in view of technological change and the digitization of production processes, manufacturers often have to create new production capacities in a short period of time. "There are no off-the-peg solutions for this, but are always very individual and tailored to the respective customer needs," explained Dr. Claus Kuhn. “After all, the competitive advantage of many manufacturers of high-tech products, especially in large-volume mass production, is clearly the efficiency and reliability of the manufacturing processes. With Total Fab Solutions we are making an important contribution from the ground up to enable our customers to achieve cost leadership in their market."   What do manufacturing companies get with Total Fab Solutions from Manz?   Factory planning, process and material flow simulations: as a consulting service independent of the implementation of an automation project by Manz Development of the operating modes and a maintenance concept for a production to be automated: Optimization of the cycle times and the material flow including different buffer scenarios; Quality control and product tracking with various inspection systems Development of a production logic: With a holistic view, potentially critical production steps are identified and can, for example, be made redundant and therefore stable Definition of the optimal solution in each case for individual process steps: The greatest possible flexibility should allow manufacturing companies to integrate process machines from completely different suppliers into their processes Planning of automation and process technology: only the intelligent linking of process systems with the most complete automation possible makes a production resilient Realization of the automation or process project: implemented turnkey on request and beyond the ramp-up; with expansion options

05/27/2021 09:00:00 CEST, Reutlingen Order in the mid-single-digit million euro range from one of the world's leading microchip producers | Megatrends of digitalization, electromobility and autonomous driving spur market growth | CAGR of >20% expected for plant technology until 2024   Manz AG, a globally active high-tech equipment manufacturer with a comprehensive technology portfolio, is seeing increasing interest in equipment for realizing the innovative packaging process for microchips, Fan-Out Panel Level Packaging (FOPLP). Now, Manz has received a follow-up order in the mid-single-digit million euro range from one of the world's leading providers in the field of microchip manufacturing.   Martin Drasch, CEO of Manz AG, comments: “The electronics industry is currently characterized by high dynamics, especially against the background of rapid digitization. A basic prerequisite for this is increasing miniaturization, which means that increasingly smaller components have an increasingly greater performance capacity. In the automotive industry in particular, the megatrends of electromobility and autonomous driving will lead to a sharp rise in the number of chips installed. Here, our systems for the realization of fan-out panel level packaging will play a key role. This is because, in addition to a significant reduction in volume, thickness, weight and manufacturing costs of the packaging, FOPLP also has a significantly positive impact on the thermal conduction and speed of the components.”   In recent years electromobility and autonomous driving have already led to a sharp increase in the number of sensors installed in cars. While in 2016 sensors amounted to between 60 and 100 per car, by 2020 there were already more than 200 sensors. The number of chips in smartphones has also increased enormously. In view of these developments, suppliers in the fan-out panel level packaging sector can expect strong revenue growth for production equipment of more than 20% per year in the coming years.   "With our integrated and automated production solutions, we as a high-tech equipment manufacturer create the basis for a fast time-to-market while at the same time improving the performance parameters of the end products and reducing production costs. These are clear competitive advantages for our customers and a very good position for us to benefit from the market potential," Martin Drasch summarizes.  

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.