X-FAB: A Specialist Foundry Leveraging Legacy Strengths for Future Growth

 


X-FAB

[Posting: 2025.08.22]

X-FAB has established itself as a specialized foundry in analog, mixed-signal, high-voltage (HV), MEMS, and SiC technologies, distinguishing its strategy from large-scale competitors focused on cutting-edge nodes. Instead of competing at the most advanced geometries, X-FAB has built its business around legacy and specialty processes ranging from 1.0µm to 110nm, where demand remains steady. This positioning has made the company a trusted partner in markets that demand high reliability and durability, particularly automotive electronics, industrial control chips, and medical sensors.

One of X-FAB’s defining capabilities is its ability to deliver automotive-grade (Grade-0) qualified processes. Its 110nm BCD-on-SOI platform and SiC-based power semiconductor technologies are increasingly critical as the shift to electric and autonomous vehicles accelerates. In parallel, the company leverages MEMS and RF-SOI platforms to expand into wireless communication, IoT, and sensor markets, further diversifying its portfolio.

The outlook for X-FAB is broadly positive. While giants such as TSMC and Samsung dominate in scale and advanced nodes, X-FAB thrives in a niche that prioritizes specialization over scale. Global megatrends—electrification of mobility, energy efficiency, and sensor-driven automation—are expected to drive strong demand for SiC and GaN power devices, a segment where X-FAB has already invested and positioned itself as a credible supplier.

In summary, X-FAB’s identity as a “specialist foundry” anchored in legacy and specialty technologies gives it a sustainable competitive edge. By focusing on automotive, industrial, and medical applications, the company is well-placed to deliver steady growth and capitalize on the next wave of semiconductor demand.


X-FAB Foundry: History, 5-Year Financials, Capacity & Utilization, FAB Overview, Legacy Processes & Roadmap, Employee Salaries (Google SEO Optimized)

1. Company Overview & History

X-FAB is a specialized foundry for analog/mixed-signal, high-voltage (HV), MEMS, and SiC technologies, with strong market positions in automotive, industrial, and medical semiconductors.

  • 1992: Founded in Erfurt, Germany

  • 1999: Acquired the TI fab in Lubbock, Texas (USA), expanding into the North American market

  • 2006: Merged with 1st Silicon in Kuching, Malaysia, establishing an Asian manufacturing hub

  • 2016: Acquired assets of Altis Semiconductor in France, strengthening its European footprint

  • 2017: Listed on the Paris Euronext Stock Exchange

Today, X-FAB operates six fabs across Germany, France, the US, and Malaysia, running a stable global production network.

2. Five-Year Financial Performance (2020–2024, USD)

X-FAB has shown consistent growth in recent years, driven mainly by automotive, power semiconductors, and MEMS demand.

YearRevenue (USD M)EBIT (USD M)EBITDA (USD M)
2020478–1560
202165877135
202274057153
2023907158246
202481686189

  • 2024 saw revenue decline by ~10% YoY due to automotive inventory adjustments, but X-FAB remained profitable.

  • Operating margins have been stable at ~10%, while EBITDA growth reflects improved cost efficiency.

3. Capacity (Capa) & Utilization

X-FAB is focused on expanding its 200mm wafer capacity.

  • Total installed capacity: ~100,000 wafers/month (200mm equivalent)

  • Utilization: ~75% as of Q1 2025

  • Node-specific highlight: 180nm CMOS ran at full utilization in late 2024 due to strong demand

  • Malaysia Sarawak fab: Undergoing expansion to reach ~40,000 wafers/month capacity, supported by a $1B investment program set to finish by H1 2025

  • SiC Foundry: Scaling up 6” SiC capacity, targeting ~17,000 wafers/month by 2025

4. Global FAB Distribution

X-FAB runs 6 fabs worldwide, each with specialized technology platforms:

  • Kuching, Malaysia: 350/250/180/130nm CMOS, eFlash, CIS/CCD, HV

  • Erfurt, Germany: 1.0µm mixed-signal, HV, EEPROM, SOI, MEMS

  • Dresden, Germany: 350nm AMS CMOS, specialty processes

  • Itzehoe, Germany: MEMS/MOEMS, RF-MEMS, WLP, TSV

  • Corbeil-Essonnes, France: 110nm BCD-on-SOI, 130/180nm RF-SOI

  • Lubbock, Texas (USA): 1.0/0.8µm mixed-signal, SiC processing

5. Legacy Process Portfolio

Unlike leading-edge logic foundries, X-FAB builds its business model around legacy and specialty processes that provide stable demand.

  • Node Range: 1.0µm, 0.8µm, 350nm, 250nm, 180nm, 130nm, 110nm

  • Process Platforms: CMOS/SOI, HV/BCD, RF-SOI, MEMS, SiC (6”), GaN-on-Si (8”)

  • Applications: Automotive electronics (power devices, sensors, MCU), industrial automation, medical biosensors, consumer electronics, and communications

6. Technology Roadmap

X-FAB’s roadmap emphasizes automotive, power, MEMS, and communications:

  • 110nm BCD-on-SOI (XT011): Automotive-grade power/mixed-signal platform, meeting Grade-0 requirements

  • RF-SOI (130/180nm): For connectivity and RF front-end applications

  • MEMS/WLP/3D Integration: Expanding heterogeneous integration, including micro-transfer printing (µTP)

  • SiC & GaN: Expanding into next-generation power semiconductors for EVs and industrial markets

7. Workforce & Employee Salaries

  • Employees: ~4,700 (2024)

  • Total payroll: ~$223M in 2024

  • Average salary: ~$47,500 (varies by role, geography, and seniority)

    • Higher salaries in Germany and France

    • Lower averages in Malaysia and partially in the US fab

8. X-FAB’s Strengths & Outlook

X-FAB has carved out a unique position by focusing on specialty and legacy nodes rather than competing in cutting-edge logic processes like TSMC, Samsung, or Intel.

  • Differentiation: Automotive HV, MEMS, SiC/GaN portfolio, and 200mm manufacturing backbone

  • Growth Drivers: Rising demand from EVs, automotive safety electronics, industrial sensors, and medical applications

  • Constraints: Lack of advanced nodes limits competitiveness in high-performance computing and mobile SoCs

Outlook

X-FAB’s outlook remains positive. EV adoption and power semiconductor growth are expected to fuel capacity expansion and long-term profitability. While smaller in scale than GlobalFoundries or UMC, X-FAB’s focus on automotive-grade, high-reliability semiconductors ensures a strong foothold in its niche.

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