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30 years of Freiberger Compound Materials: Success story in focus!
Freiberger Compound Materials celebrates 30 years of growth and innovation in the semiconductor industry on August 31, 2025 in Freiberg.
30 years of Freiberger Compound Materials: Success story in focus!
In the heart of Freiberg, where it's all about progress and high-tech, Freiberger Compound Materials celebrated its 30th anniversary on Saturday. Over these three decades, the company has developed into one of the leading manufacturers of semiconductor materials and is thus creating an eventful and impressive success story. Freie Presse reports that this celebration was intended as a thank you to the employees and their families.
What makes Freiberger Compound Materials so special? The company’s roots go back a long way – almost 70 years to be precise. The base was founded as VEB Trace Metals in 1957 with the aim of producing ultra-pure materials for the GDR industry at the time. The first steps in semiconductor production were taken back then. Freiberger states that a large-scale pilot production facility was built as early as 1960.
Growth and internationality
In the 30 years after Freiberger Compound Materials was founded, the company was not only able to gain a foothold in Germany, but also climbed the global best lists in wafer manufacturing and is now one of the top 5 companies in this segment. Freiberger mainly produces gallium arsenide wafers, a central component in many smartphones, tablets and even car electronics. Freiberg.de emphasizes that these materials have become indispensable for modern technology.
Freiberger Compound Materials currently employs around 1,200 people, and the trend is pointing steeply upwards. Together with Siltronic AG, another leading wafer manufacturer in Freiberg, the company is planning investments in new production halls that will cost a three-digit million amount. A future-oriented step to meet the increasing demands of the semiconductor industry.
Political turning points and renewed upswing
The time of change was a challenge for the company, but also an opportunity. In the 1990s, when many companies fell by the wayside, Freiberger found his way to the private sector and focused on strengthening value creation. The contract with Wacker, concluded in 1995, was a turning point and enabled not only technological transfers but also the founding of Freiberger Compound Materials GmbH.
Overall, it can be said that Freiberger Compound Materials has always remained at the forefront thanks to its innovative strength and close cooperation with research and development. Today's birthday is not only a reason to celebrate, but also a moment to look back on the impressive journey and set the course for the future.