In context
In mid-2025, Europe was accelerating efforts to bolster its semiconductor industry and reduce reliance on overseas chip manufacturing. The EU's push for technological sovereignty had led to major investments in R&D infrastructure, with Spain emerging as a key hub. Against this backdrop, the selection of a design partner for imec's new facility in Málaga represented a significant step in building Europe's advanced chip research capabilities.
What was reported
Drees & Sommer, a global consulting and project management firm, has been appointed as the specialist design partner for imec's advanced semiconductor R&D facility and associated utility buildings in Málaga, Spain. The project, supported by the Spanish Government and EU Next Generation funds, involves a total investment of €611 million and is led by Spanish state-owned engineering firm Ineco.
The facility, located in Málaga TechPark, will span approximately 32,000 square meters on a 46,000-square-meter plot. At its core will be a 2,000-square-meter cleanroom, with an option to expand by an additional 2,000 square meters in the future. The site is expected to create up to 250 direct jobs once operational.
Drees & Sommer's role includes translating imec's global identity into a sustainable, technically advanced campus. Key ambitions include minimizing energy and water consumption and carbon emissions, prioritizing sustainable materials, and incorporating circular economy principles. The architectural concept is still under development, but the project aims to create a human-centric workplace that fosters wellbeing, collaboration, and inclusivity.
“From the very beginning, we wanted this facility to reflect our commitment not just to technological excellence, but also to creating a truly human-centric workplace.” — Karel van Gils, regional managing director at imec
Why it mattered
This project underscored the EU's strategic push for semiconductor sovereignty, with Spain positioning itself as a key player. The facility's design, integrating advanced cleanroom technology with sustainability, set a benchmark for future semiconductor R&D infrastructure in Europe, potentially influencing how such facilities are planned and built across the region.
Source: Robotics & Automation News (roboticsandautomationnews.com) · Published 2025-07-28 · “Drees & Sommer designs advanced semiconductor R&D facility for imec in Spain”