The government does not want to lose the great technological jewel

“Operation Beethoven.” This is the internal name of the project launched by the Dutch government to block the company ASML that manufactured it Lithography equipment Most important on the planet, it can move or expand abroad. news, Quoted by De Telegraaf based on its sourcesHe points out that France is one of the possible destinations for the Veldhoven-based company.

ASML is a major player in the semiconductor industry. We're talking about the company that supplies a significant portion of the chip manufacturing machinery used by giants TSMC, Intel, Samsung and others. Although we know that it competes with other players such as Tokyo Electron, Nikon, and Canon, it has no competitor in the field of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) photolithography equipment.

The challenge of growing and continuing to be a leader

ASML, which has come a long way to become More than 300,000 million eurosfaces a series of challenges to continue growing In your country of origin. According to the aforementioned local newspaper, the company's biggest concern stems from the labor shortage, which is a complex scenario given the current immigration policies in place in the country.

Currently, 40% of ASML's workforce is of foreign origin. Everything seems to indicate that the company is finding it increasingly difficult to find talent amid its growth ambitions to maintain its leadership position. In the past, the company's CEO, Peter Wennink, has suggested they might go elsewhere where they can grow if they can't get the necessary workforce.

De Telegraaf reports that one of the possible destinations for ASML's expansion will be France, although the company has avoided making statements on this topic. In any case, Reuters confirmed That the Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs, Micky Adriaenssen, had Scheduled meeting With the tech company's CEO last Wednesday to address growth concerns.

Adriaansens recognized ASML's desire to continue growing and was open to listening to the company's requirements. However, any potential solution may encounter new difficulties along the way. The current Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, He resigned in July last year. In the midst of tensions and contradictions related to asylum and migration policy.

On November 22, The politician known for his anti-immigration policiesGeert Wilders won the early general election. But he did not succeed in convincing the other parties To form the government. Wilders wants to rule, but he reaches a coalition agreement It has become an increasingly difficult task. Meanwhile, outgoing Minister Rutte continues to lead the Netherlands.

It should be noted that this is not the only challenge facing ASML during these times. US trade sanctions against China are starting to affect its business. Weinink expected that the company he runs would lose approximately 15% of its sales to the Asian country. Currently, she cannot sell her UVA and UVB equipment, though she fears the restrictions will get worse.

Photos | ASML

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