DRESDEN (dpa-AFX) - Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer (CDU) sees an urgent need for action to reduce bureaucracy. Germans must be prepared to jettison excess baggage, which exists in many areas, he told the German Press Agency after visiting the construction site of semiconductor company Infineon in Dresden. "I don't know whether this can be achieved through small steps or whether we need a general solution here."

Moratorium on regulatory density

In this context, Kretschmer called for a moratorium on new regulations for the next few years and for them to be reduced to the European minimum. Germany exceeds European law in many areas, which makes projects more expensive, slower, and more difficult. "That's not how it works." The construction of Infineon's new Smart Power Fab is proof that projects can be implemented quickly and efficiently if you work professionally and free yourself from overregulation.

New semiconductor factory to create up to 1,000 new jobs

One of Europe's most modern semiconductor factories is currently being built in Dresden. Infineon is investing five billion euros in the project. The company recently received confirmation from the Federal Ministry of Economics regarding its request for the Smart Power Fab. The groundbreaking ceremony took place in May 2023, and production is scheduled to begin in 2026. The expansion of chip production is intended to respond to demand for semiconductors in the renewable energy, data center, and e-mobility sectors. Up to 1,000 new jobs are planned.

Billion-dollar project on schedule and within budget

According to Infineon, construction is fully on schedule and within budget. "The Smart Power Fab is more than a construction project. It is a strong commitment to Dresden as a location and to the future of European microelectronics," explained Raik Brettschneider, CEO of Infineon Dresden. The company employs more than 3,900 people from over 50 countries at this location. The search for personnel for the new factory is already underway. Infineon also intends to benefit from its more than 350 trainees at the site. /jos/DP/mis