June 13, 2024 /SemiMedia/ -- According to reports, the Eindhoven City Council of the Netherlands voted on June 11 to approve the expansion plan of lithography machine manufacturer ASML, with 34 votes in favor and 6 votes against. The preliminary plan was announced by ASML and the local municipal government in April, and will develop new facilities in a relatively undeveloped area in the north of Eindhoven near the city center, which can accommodate up to 20,000 employees.

As the global semiconductor industry develops, ASML, as a supplier of key semiconductor equipment, anticipates significant growth in the next few years and will need to select locations for plant expansion and activities. This growth needs to be supported by favorable business conditions, such as high-quality talent, infrastructure, public housing, and a good overall business environment. In order to retain the company, the Dutch national and local governments have pledged to provide US$2.7 billion in funds to improve transportation, housing and other infrastructure in the Eindhoven area.

ASML Chief Financial Officer Roger Dassen said earlier that ASML prefers to carry out core activities in the Netherlands and as close as possible to the existing campus in Veldhoven, the town where ASML is currently headquartered.

A spokesman for the city of Eindhoven confirmed that the plan shows that ASML will expand its factory and carry out activities in a technology park called Brainport Industry Campus in the north of Eindhoven near the airport.