Wolfspeed: CHIPFACT in Saarland put on hold - what now?

Wolfspeed: CHIPFACT in Saarland put on hold - what now?

A bomb bursts in Saarland! Wolfspeed, the US investor with large plans for a chip plant, has postponed his future vision indefinitely! The semiconductor factory was to be built on the area of ​​the former coal-fired power plant in Ensdorf near Saarlouis and strengthen Germany in international competition. But the uncertainties of the past few months seem to demand their toll. On Tuesday it came to report that Wolksspeed and ZF, its partner and automotive supplier, want to put the billion dollar project on hold.

But there are direct contradictory statements! ZF blames WolfSpeed ​​for the delays and explains about a press release that responsibility lies solely with you. However, the Saarland Prime Minister Anke Rehlinger emphasizes that the plans for the location in Ensdorf are not laid and it is only a shift. "The company has made it clear to us that they continue to be the location in Ensdorf," she assures. But where are the billions of investments that were originally planned for this key project?

difficult circumstances for wolf speed

The reasons for this dramatic turn are complex: the e-car market in Europe remains behind the expectations, which is difficult for Wolfspeed. In addition, entrepreneurial and financial problems are difficult for the company. Instead of the 2.7 billion euros originally planned to be invested in the chip factory, only uncertain future prospects are now emerging. 600 new jobs are on the brink, while VW, Ford and other automobile manufacturers also have to fight hard for their competitive advantages.

Prime Minister Rehlinger is frustrated by the lack of efforts by the federal government to boost the economy. It demands a quick and effective package of measures for industry to eliminate the location disadvantages. These setbacks for Wolfspeed are not only a contradiction to the political agenda of resilience in Germany, but a warning sign for the entire economy. Business models are shaking; The economic struggle for the future has just started!