Littelfuse, Inc., a Chicago-based electronics company that specializes in circuit protection products, switches, and automotive sensors, will expand its 200mm wafer fabrication after finishing the acquisition of a wafer fab located in Dortmund, Germany. The American company acquired the facility from Elmos Semiconductor SE.
Effective December 31, 2024, this acquisition, previously announced in June 2023, aligns with Littelfuse’s long-term strategy to expand its role in industrial markets such as energy storage, motor drives, automation, and renewable energy systems.
The acquisition brings with it highly skilled employees and advanced manufacturing capabilities that will enhance the company’s ability to meet growing demand in power conversion technologies. “This deal marks a significant step in expanding our power semiconductor offerings and supports our growth in key industrial markets,” said Dave Heinzmann, Littelfuse’s President and CEO.
Semiconductor wafers are thin slices of semiconductor material – typically silicon – used to manufacture microchips and electronic components. The most widely used wafer diameter is 200mm (around 8 inches), particularly to produce power semiconductors, sensors, and analog devices, making them essential in sectors like automotive, industrial automation, and energy infrastructure. Thanks to their relatively large size, 200mm wafers can churn out more chips, allowing for high-volume production with lower operational costs.
The acquisition not only boosts Littelfuse’s production capacity but also enhances its ability to innovate in power electronics. As demand for renewable energy solutions and EV infrastructure grows, the Dortmund facility is set to play a pivotal role in supporting these expanding markets.
“The acquisition of the Dortmund fab expands our long-term organic growth opportunities for broad-based customer demand in high-growth power conversion applications across industrial end markets,” said Chad Marak, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Littelfuse Semiconductor Business. “The Dortmund fab complements our current footprint while growing our highly skilled technology team and enhancing our operational capabilities.”
