Construction of second AT&S plant in Shanghai begins

AT&S, Europe's largest printed circuit board manufacturer, began construction of a second plant in Shanghai on May 16,2005.

The 75,000sq.m production facility will triple the presence of AT&S in China. The printed circuit board manufacturer began construction of a second plant on Monday, before the initially planned start. This next step towards further Asian expansion takes place exactly four years after the cornerstone was laid for the first plant, which could already achieve profits six months after start of production.

Upon completion of the plant, which is located next to the current plant, AT&S will gain the capacity necessary for the high-tech market. Around 50% of AT&S production will stem from the Asian plants (India and China) after installation of equipment at the new plant.

"The second plant in Shanghai will definitively put us in the position as the most modern high performance printed circuit board manufacturer in the high-tech segment. The new capacity will come just at the right time in the second half of 2006, enabling us to tend to the climbing demand in the HDI-Microvia area," explains Willi Dörflinger, Chairman of the Board of AT&S.

"The first plant in Shanghai is proof of our excellent project management and demonstrates our ability to earn money quickly with new plants," adds Dr. Harald Sommerer, who will take on Douml;rflinger's position as Chairman starting in July. "The success story of AT&S will continue with the second plant in Shanghai, further ensuring the success of our Austrian plants as well."