Physik Instrumente Expands Development and Production Site in Eschbach | Triple Current Capacity Planned

This is how the architects see PI's new building in Eschbach. Image: HARSCH BAU GMBH & CO KG

Currently, the site in Eschbach is the PI Group's Competency Center for linear axes, rotary stages, and system solutions for high-precision positioning tasks, with approx. 135 employees.
The systems include mechanics, drive technology and control devices with software. These are, for example, used in automation technology, semiconductor manufacturing and microscopy.

Parallel to its expansion, the company is counting on the principles of Industry 4.0 for more flexibility and higher throughput. For example, assistance systems are supporting employees with the highly varied assembly of customer-specific products and solutions. In the course of building the extension, with the aid of software, automated transport systems will optimize the flow of material in assembly. Additionally, PI is fulfilling future customer requirements with additional cleanrooms. The company expects to triple current capacity at the factory in Eschbach by hiring more employees, gaining more space, and implementing Industry 4.0 principles.

Significantly Reduced Carbon Footprint

A photovoltaic system on the roof of the new building will create renewable energy. Additionally, the factory in Eschbach will switch to environmentally-friendly district heating. Together with the use of sustainable building materials and insulation, this meets the highest environmental requirements.

Record Investments in Growth

In the fiscal year 2021, PI increased turnover by approx. 27 percent to 243 million euros. Markus Spanner, CEO of the PI Group, is optimistic "We also expect two-digit growth rates over the next few years".
By the end of 2022, PI will have already invested more than 60 million euros in the further expansion of development and production capacities. The expansion in Eschbach means that the investment volume is continuing to grow.

PI in Brief

Physik Instrumente (PI) with headquarters in Karlsruhe, Germany, is the market and technology leader for high-precision positioning technology and piezo applications in the market segments: Industrial Automation, Semiconductor Industry, Photonics, Microscopy & Life Sciences. In close cooperation with international customers, PI's approximately 1,400 specialists have been continuously pushing the boundaries of what is technically possible for more than 50 years, and develop both standardized and customized solutions. 498 granted and pending patents underline the company's claim to leadership. PI operates on a global scale, with nine production sites in Europe, North America, and Asia as well as 16 sales and service subsidiaries.