More than 20 years ago, the company began producing custom ultra-pure media supply systems, especially for the semiconductor, pharmaceutical, and solar industries. "As a medium-sized company, we have relied on innovation, flexibility, and proximity to our customers from the very beginning. These qualities have earned us an excellent reputation not only in Germany but soon worldwide," said Dr. Jörg Koch, Managing Director of the company, at the start of the celebratory event.

The expansion is in response to the growing demand from the semiconductor and other high-tech industries in Dresden and the surrounding region. SEMPA has successfully collaborated with several chip manufacturers already located in the area for many years, and now aims to extend such partnerships to additional incoming companies. "With the new 1,600 m² production hall and the accompanying infrastructure, we will be able to expand our system technology production and introduce technological innovations. This will allow larger projects to be completed in a shorter time," added the physicist.

The company is not only targeting regional expansion but also aims to grow across Germany and globally. In recent years, subsidiaries have been opened in Thuringia and southern Germany to improve service for local customers and attract qualified local professionals. With the acquisition by the globally operating, multidisciplinary Meptagon Group in 2021, a new chapter began in SEMPA’s international growth strategy.

Focus on New Jobs
In recent years, the number of employees has more than doubled to 180. Similar growth is planned for the future. The company is seeking specialists across all areas, particularly in assembly and project management. "It is important to us that our employees not only have a modern and family-friendly workplace but also that we maintain the excellent working environment despite our growth," emphasized Koch. The new building includes spacious social areas and a terrace in a green space for relaxation and exchange. The planned training rooms demonstrate how important it is for the company that experienced professionals pass on their knowledge to new employees.

SEMPA Focuses on Sustainability and Modern Energy Concepts
In the construction of the new project, SEMPA is committed to sustainable materials and a modern, long-term energy concept. The centerpiece of this concept is heat pumps in combination with a photovoltaic system. The generated solar energy will partially cover the company’s own energy needs, with excess electricity fed into the Saxony power grid. Additionally, part of the roof will be greened. To promote electromobility, 30 of the total 90 parking spaces on the company premises will be equipped as charging stations for electric cars.

A special highlight of the project is the building’s structure, which already consists of approximately 93% recycled steel. This enables a sustainable, streamlined construction and significantly shortens the construction time.

To ensure that the inauguration can take place as planned in the summer of next year, GOLDBECK Ost GmbH, as the general contractor, is coordinating and implementing the entire construction project.

• Orders more than doubled to nearly 50 million euros
• Highest key figures in the company’s history following realignment
• Further growth also planned in employee numbers

While the coronavirus pandemic and now Russia’s aggressive war on Ukraine are reflected in many balance sheet books, Dresden-based SEMPA SYSTEMS GmbH announced on 30.04.2022 a surprise increase in orders at the end of the 2021 financial year – which had more than doubled, to almost EUR 50 million – and further significant growth plans. The company’s turnover and also its profit increased disproportionately, as did all other key company figures.

"Of course, the question is how we managed this at a time when many others in the semiconductor industry are struggling," says Rainer Erdmann, who joined SEMPA as co-Managing Director in the autumn of 2021. "We were also faced with the huge challenge of planning and implementing change processes that included succession planning. The fact that we were so successful in this realignment is due to our self-image as a company. We have drawn on our most important strength – our uncompromising desire to know and understand the needs of our customers and develop solutions for them. We were able to not only increase the number of orders in the semiconductor sector, but also achieve further successes in the pharmaceutical industry. At our SEMPA LAB, for example, our customers have the opportunity to test process chemicals or technology in advance, which shortens the time to market enormously. But," Erdmann pauses, "we also owe this success in particular to our employees, who were involved in these change processes and also drove this will to change. And all this during a period associated with great personal and family restrictions for many. We would like to thank each and every member of staff for this," says Erdmann, clearly moved.

Headquartered near Dresden Airport, SEMPA specialises in the development and production of process solutions for gas and chemicals. In addition to high purity media supply systems, evaporation systems are also offered. The company name is a composite of the words ‘semiconductor’ and ‘partnership’.

Alongside Rainer Erdmann, Dr Jörg Koch is the co-Managing Director and is responsible for Sales and New Business Development. "Our customers appreciate our performance, which is reflected in the high order numbers. We don’t just ask ourselves what our customers need today, but also focus on what challenges they might encounter in the future," says the PhD physicist. "High-tech industries are evolving at a tremendous pace and we don’t wait for our clients to bring their concerns to us. For example, when the seriousness of the situation in Ukraine became apparent, we sat down with our suppliers at a very early stage and were able to secure important supply chains. We’ll continue to focus our efforts and we intend to grow significantly in 2023 and 2024 – not just in terms of turnover, but also in the number of employees. We welcome anyone who understands where we’re going and wants to come with us."

SEMPA increased the number of employees by almost a third in 2021 and currently employs over 100 people at its sites in Dresden and Hermsdorf (Thuringia), including eight trainees. Four apprenticeship places are still available for 2022 in the commercial areas, production and information technology.