ASML updates the Berlin factory fire assessment report, and EUV component production is affected

The Dutch company ASML is the world's largest manufacturer of lithography machines, which are key devices for the manufacture of chips. ASML occupies 85% of the lithography machine market in the process of less than 45nm, and is in an absolute monopoly position in the field of EUV (extreme ultraviolet lithography technology) lithography machine, with a market share of 100%, which is the key to promoting the 5nm/7nm process node.

On January 3, 2022, a fire broke out at ASML's factory in Berlin, Germany, and the fire was extinguished at night, with some of its facilities damaged. Fortunately, there were no casualties in this incident. ASML said after the fire that it would take a few days to investigate and would make a comprehensive assessment. The plant, which originally belonged to optical module company Berliner Glas, was acquired by ASML in 2020 to manufacture components for ASML's lithography system, including wafer tables and fixtures, reticle chucks and mirror blocks.

Recently, ASML conducted a preliminary assessment of the situation at the Berlin plant in Germany and updated the relevant information. The fire occurred in one of the factory's production buildings, and smoke affected the adjacent building, which has now resumed production in some areas. Other buildings in the factory area have not been affected and can still be used normally. ASML also describes the impact on the production of lithography machines, including DUV (Deep Ultraviolet Spectroscopy) and EUV systems.

At present, the related components of the DUV lithography machine have restarted production, and although there has been a temporary interruption in supply, ASML hopes to do its best to remedy it so as not to affect the production and revenue of the DUV lithography machine. As for the EUV lithography machine, the fire affected part of the production area of a module wafer fixture in the EUV system, which is being restored as planned, and how to minimize the impact on EUV customers, including supply plans and related services.

ASML said it will announce its fourth quarter and full year results for 2021 on January 19, 2022, as well as a preliminary outlook for 2022, at which time it will provide further information on the berlin plant fire.