BUSINESS
Recently you presented an ambitious development
plan that expands production capacity and
introduces new production processes in Rožnov.
Let’s now look into the future. Where would you
like to be in 5-10 years?
We will continue to work on those technologies that
have been around for a long time, like the silicon
chips. However, the area where we must focus
our efforts and where we expect to see the most
growth, is in the automotive industry and silicon
carbide technology. We are in a unique position
to take advantage of this rare opportunity. From
solutions and technical infrastructure. How can you
cope with all this?
In the last two years, we have invested $400 million in
research, development and production of polished silicon
carbide and epitaxial wafers. We have gained confidence
in our capability to produce a world-class semiconductor
infrastructure. We are aware of the need for skilled
employees so we have been collaborating with universities
and are looking to train new talents. However, we would
also like to get involved and work more with the high
schools. Our vision and strategy extend well beyond a five
year timeline.
a semiconductor perspective, these are relatively
conservative customers, but as electric vehicles
start to gain massive traction, car manufacturers are
building new supply chains. They need completely
new components based on the semiconductor
chips that we produce. The company has long-term
contracts with leading car manufacturers, such as
Volkswagen, Mercedes, Tesla, Hyundai and Nio. We
have the ambition to be the world‘s most important
supplier for this market segment and because
of those ambitions, the corporation recently
announced that it will invest another $2 billion in
this sector. Rožnov and Onsemi production lines
are also competing for this investment with the USA
and Korea. Our aim is to bring the production of
a new generation of chips to Rožnov, significantly
strengthening the European automotive market.
The goal is to set up the supply chain for the next
10-20 years so that car manufacturers have no
need to make any changes, making this a unique
opportunity for us.
Rožnov pod Radhoštěm is a relatively small town with
16 000 inhabitants. Do you have any ideas for future
cooperation with the town leadership?
After the announcement of the investment was to be
directed here in Rožnov, we presented our intentions to
the city and we agreed to create a working committee
to address various aspects of a cooperation. We also want
to serve not just Rožnov, but include wider areas like Zlín
and the Moravian-Silesian Region. We plan to continue our
projects in the industrial area , known as the former Tesla
Rožnov, which had gradually been growing since 1949 until
it was sold off in parts in 1989. We aim to revitalise the long
neglected areas of the complex and try to elevate them
to a modern industrial level by implementing architectural
solutions and incorporating green spaces. We do not
intend to build on any „greenfield“ sites, but instead plan
to implement all new revitalisations within the existing
industrial area. Therefore, prioritising environmental
conservation while partnering and working together for
what is best for the city.
You have bold investment plans that require things
like money, skilled labour, modern and sophisticated
Thank you for the interview. We wish you and the city of
Rožnov that all your good intentions come to fruition as
quickly as possible.
www.positiv.cz ǀ 37