ASML, the Dutch semiconductor equipment giant and one of Europe’s most strategically important tech companies, is accelerating plans for a massive new campus in the Netherlands as global demand for advanced microchips continues to surge. The facility—set to cover an area equivalent to 50 football fields—will be located in Veldhoven, near ASML’s existing headquarters.
The expansion reflects ASML’s vital role in the global chip supply chain. The company is the world’s sole manufacturer of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines, cutting-edge tools that enable the production of the most advanced semiconductors used in everything from smartphones and AI accelerators to autonomous vehicles and military systems.
Scaling Up to Meet Global Demand
With semiconductors becoming the backbone of technological innovation and geopolitical power, ASML’s machines are in unprecedented demand. The new campus is expected to house thousands of engineers, research labs, cleanrooms, and state-of-the-art production lines to help ramp up capacity and innovation.
According to company executives, the goal is to double production output of EUV systems by the end of the decade. This includes building new models to support the next-generation High-NA EUV technology—essential for producing chips smaller than 2 nanometers.
ASML’s CEO Christophe Fouquet recently said, “Our expansion plans reflect our commitment to staying ahead of the curve in innovation and capacity. The world’s digital transformation hinges on our ability to deliver the tools that power it.”
An Economic and Strategic Catalyst
The mega-expansion is not just about increased production—it’s also expected to fuel job creation and economic growth in the Eindhoven region, already known as a major tech hub. Local authorities and the Dutch government have expressed strong support for the project, viewing ASML as a critical pillar of both national and European strategic autonomy in the semiconductor sector.
EU officials have repeatedly emphasized the importance of securing supply chains and reducing dependence on foreign technology providers. ASML’s expansion aligns with broader European goals under the EU Chips Act, which seeks to double Europe’s global market share in semiconductors by 2030.
Sustainability and Innovation at the Core
ASML has stated that the new campus will be built with sustainability in mind, incorporating energy-efficient buildings, green spaces, and cutting-edge systems to minimize carbon emissions and resource use. The facility will also serve as a testbed for innovations in automation, robotics, and smart manufacturing technologies.
The company has already begun preparing the site, with construction expected to move into full swing in 2025. The first phase of the new campus is projected to be operational before the end of the decade.