Jenoptik opens plant in Dresden

After around two and a half years of construction, the Jenoptik Group has opened a new plant for micro-optics in Dresden. At just under 100 million euros, it is the largest single investment in recent history, said Stefan Traeger, CEO of Jenoptik AG. The new factory employs around 100 people.

Factory produces sensors for the semiconductor industry

Production takes place exclusively in clean rooms, which must meet the highest requirements for vibration-free operation and temperature stability, he said. Special micro-optics and sensors for the semiconductor equipment industry, including for applications in artificial intelligence, are to be manufactured in Dresden.

Jenoptik has been active in Dresden since 2007. The locations previously spread across the city are now united under one roof. In addition to Dresden, the company also manufactures its high-precision and micro-optics in Jena and Triptis in Thuringia, in Heerbrugg in Switzerland and at two locations in the USA.

Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer (CDU) described the innovation as a "strong signal for innovation and cooperation in Silicon Saxony" - the Saxon semiconductor center in Dresden and the surrounding area. The new plant will contribute to the further development of the semiconductor ecosystem, which is unique in Europe.

"We deliberately chose one of the most important locations for the semiconductor industry in Germany and Europe, where many global companies and research institutions in the industry are represented," emphasized CEO Traeger at the opening ceremony, which was crowned by a light show.

Minister President: "East German success story"

Kretschmer attested to the company's "reputation like thunder". Wherever you go, people talk about Jenoptik: "People all over the world know it, and in the end it is also an East German success story. Something that can make us proud together, something that shows us: Yes, we have these flourishing landscapes and they didn't fall from the sky, they have been worked hard for (...)"

According to Jenoptik, micro-optical sensors are characterized by maximum precision in the smallest of spaces and a very flat design. They direct light using micro- and nanostructures and, unlike conventional optics, are manufactured using a lithography process similar to that used in semiconductor production.