Dutch chip giant ASML has officially broken ground on BIC North, its second large industrial park in the Brainport region of Eindhoven, the Netherlands. This announcement comes as ASML faces strong demand driven by the surge in artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
ASML is ramping up its production capacity to address orders for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography equipment that are fully booked through the end of 2027. The BIC North project, as outlined in ASML’s official press release, spans approximately 35 hectares and is located just 7 kilometers from its headquarters in Veldhoven. The project will be developed in phases and is expected to create up to 20,000 job opportunities. The first phase, scheduled for completion in 2029, will accommodate at least 3,000 employees and include office space, logistics, and cleanroom facilities.
The new park will introduce a “Flow Factory” manufacturing operation model specifically designed for the TWINSCAN facility, drawing on the mature experiences from the automotive and aerospace industries to optimize material flow and work processes for efficient assembly of large chip manufacturing equipment.
As the sole producer of high-end EUV equipment necessary for cutting-edge chip production worldwide, ASML occupies an irreplaceable core position in the global semiconductor supply chain. With global tech giants engaging in a race for computing power, the demand for its top-tier equipment is experiencing explosive growth.
According to reports from Reuters, ASML’s stock price has surged by 62% this year, reaching a market value of $660 billion. Its clientele includes TSMC, Samsung, SK Hynix, Micron, Intel, among others, who are expanding production to meet the AI computing needs of companies like Nvidia, OpenAI, and Google. This contrasts sharply with the downsizing trends seen in other European manufacturing sectors, such as Volkswagen’s layoffs.
ASML’s future layout in the Brainport region will consist of three complementary parks, including the headquarters park in Veldhoven (De Run 1000), the industrial park (De Run 6000/7000), and the new BIC North industrial park in Eindhoven.
The groundbreaking ceremony is also seen as a vote of confidence from ASML to the Dutch government. Previously, the company had warned of potentially relocating its new factories overseas due to issues with tight grid capacity and business environment. The smooth progress of the project reflects the local government’s efforts in addressing challenges such as power supply and permit approvals. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and Eindhoven Mayor Jeroen Dijsselbloem were among the officials present at the groundbreaking ceremony.