CEO Seikku: Building for the next phase of the semiconductor cycle
After navigating a challenging few years, the semiconductor industry enters 2026 with emerging opportunities alongside continued uncertainty. While the overall semiconductor market is set to grow, growth is bifurcated: AI-related segments are experiencing phenomenal growth, whereas consumer electronics and automotive remain under pressure for the third consecutive year.
Geopolitical tensions, regulatory constraints, and increasing regionalization of supply chains have added complexity across the industry. Broader economic uncertainty has shortened planning horizons and reduced market visibility, while government-funded capacity expansions in multiple regions have contributed to industry overcapacity and sustained price pressure.
In this environment, long-term commitment and reliability are more important than ever. At Okmetic, we operate with a clear long-term focus, supported by solid owners and the broader corporate group. While market conditions remain challenging, our priorities are unchanged: operational stability, disciplined investment, and reliable supply to support our customers.
Even amid the current downturn, the semiconductor market continues to advance, reflecting the dynamic character that has always defined the industry. Technology continues to evolve across applications in electrification, energy-efficient power systems, industrial automation, robotics, and increasingly intelligent systems enabled by AI. These developments are driving higher requirements for performance, reliability, and scalability across the semiconductor sector.
Looking ahead, as the semiconductor cycle progresses, we expect market conditions to gradually improve and return to a healthier growth phase toward the latter part of the decade, as demand recovers across established semiconductor markets.
Okmetic Investment to Provide Decades of Wafer Supply
Okmetic continues to focus on providing advanced silicon wafers for MEMS, sensor, RF, Power, and GaN device manufacturing, supporting high-volume production. Our 200 mm wafers remain a key platform for customers, while our commitment to supplying 150 mm wafers at least through 2035 ensures continuity and alignment with long-term customer needs.
We have completed a major fab expansion that significantly increases our 200 mm polished wafer capacity from 2025 onward. Designed for decades of operation, the new facility is among the most modern 200 mm manufacturing environments globally and strengthens our ability to support customer growth.
Qualification activities have proceeded well, and volume production started in early 2026. As production stabilizes, engineering resources are increasingly focusing on customer-specific support and development work.
This expansion strengthens our capacity and market position in 200 mm, enabling us to support high-volume customer programs at a scale that was not previously possible. While industry investments remain focused on 300 mm manufacturing, much of the existing 200 mm capacity is operated on legacy production lines. Against this backdrop, Okmetic’s modern 200 mm manufacturing lines, combined with a well-established and actively supported 150 mm capability, represent a clear competitive advantage for the coming years and decades.
In 2025, Okmetic marked its 40th anniversary, reflecting four decades of long-term commitment to technology advancement and close customer collaboration. We sincerely thank our customers, partners, and employees for your trust and dedication. Together, we will continue to grow, innovate, and support the future of the semiconductor industry.
