SCHOTT expands semiconductor manufacturing footprint with acquisition of QSIL GmbH Quarzschmelze Ilmenau

Thursday, December 19, 2024, Mainz / Ilmenau, Germany

  • This strategic decision addresses the growing need for advanced materials in semiconductor manufacturing, fueled by the rise of AI and next-generation technologies requiring more powerful and efficient microchips
  • QSIL GmbH Quarzschmelze Ilmenau’s expertise and specialized quartz glass capabilities will complement SCHOTT’s diverse and high-tech product portfolio
To strengthen the company’s commitment to the semiconductor business, SCHOTT has signed a definitive agreement to acquire QSIL GmbH Quarzschmelze Ilmenau. This strategic decision will enable the company to enhance its capabilities by expanding its portfolio to include high-performance quartz glass, a critical material utilized to manufacture microchips. QSIL GmbH Quarzschmelze Ilmenau comes with a state-of-the-art facility in Ilmenau, Germany, unique technology, and a skilled workforce of around 275 employees that have driven its success. Joining SCHOTT’s global network will open up further growth potential in the semiconductor manufacturing space for both companies.
Two people in a production of hollow cylinders
Manufacturing hollow cylinders (billets) of clear quartz glass. Photo: QSIL
The acquisition comes at a time when semiconductors are playing an increasingly crucial role in global innovation. With the exponential growth of AI and other data-driven technologies, the global demand for advanced semiconductor solutions has surged, driven by the need for more powerful and efficient microchips. Quartz glass is a vital material used in the production process, as it enables manufacturers to achieve higher yields and performance.

For over a decade, SCHOTT has been providing the semiconductor industry with specialty materials and components for high-precision lithography machines and measurement equipment, glass panels for next-generation packaging, and other high-end solutions. “We are excited to combine our expertise with QSIL GmbH Quarzschmelze Ilmenau’s strengths to set new standards together in the growing field of semiconductor manufacturing. This acquisition underscores our commitment to expanding our offerings in this field and providing our customers with the best solutions for their challenges,” said Marcus Knöbel, CFO of SCHOTT.

“As a foundation-owned company with strong values and a longstanding history of success, SCHOTT was an ideal choice for us as the new owner. This partnership is a natural fit, as both companies are forward-thinking, high-tech material experts in major global industries. With this step we follow our mission to successfully continue our growth path of both, the QSIL GmbH Quarzschmelze Ilmenau as well as the other companies of the QSIL Group. We are convinced that this transaction will further strengthen our leading market position, and will be very beneficial for our customers, employees, and especially the semiconductor market,” added Michael Keitz, Managing Director and Co-CEO of QSIL SE.

The closing of the transaction is expected to take place early 2025, subject to approvals from the authorities.
Aerial view of quartz site

Aerial view of QSIL GmbH Quarzschmelze Ilmenau site. Photo: QSIL

Hollow cylinders of clear quartz glass

Hollow cylinders (billets) of clear quartz glass. Photo: QSIL

About QSIL SE

QSIL is a leading international specialist for high-melting and high-temperature-resistant high-performance materials – especially for high-purity quartz and special glass, engineered ceramics and refractory metals.

Thanks to its extensive material and technology expertise, the group of companies can offer its customers the complete range of high-performance materials for critical solutions in the semiconductor, medical technology, aerospace, mechanical engineering, fiber optics and specialty light source industries. With more than 900 employees at eight production sites in Germany and abroad, QSIL generates annual sales of around EUR 200 million. The dynamically growing company is active in more than 50 countries. Its customers include large companies from Europe, Asia and America.


About SCHOTT

International technology group SCHOTT produces high-quality components and advanced materials, including specialty glass, glass-ceramics, and polymers. Many SCHOTT products have high-tech applications that push technological boundaries, such as flexible glass in foldable smartphones, glass-ceramic mirror substrates in the world's largest telescopes, and laser glass in nuclear fusion. With their pioneering spirit, SCHOTT’s 17,100 employees in over 30 countries work as partners to industries such as healthcare, home appliances, consumer electronics, semiconductors, optics, astronomy, energy, and aerospace. In fiscal year 2024, SCHOTT generated 2.8 billion euros (~2,9 billion USD) in sales. In addition to innovation, one of its important corporate goals is sustainability, where it is pursuing climate neutral production by 2030. SCHOTT was founded in 1884 and is headquartered in Mainz, Germany. The company belongs to the Carl Zeiss Foundation, which uses its dividends to promote science. Further information at www.us.schott.com

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Rina Della Vecchia, Senior Marketing Communication Manager
Rina Della Vecchia

Senior Marketing Communication Manager