Villach becomes development site

Sep 29, 1979 | Market News

On 29 September 1979, the ceremonial signing of the contract between the Republic of Austria and Siemens AG for the foundation of the Entwicklungszentrum für Mikroelektronik Ges.m.b.H (EZM) took place. With this investment in the amount of ATS 53 million, the foundation was created for Austria's rise to a high-tech location. With this investment, Siemens Austria turned the objectives already stated in March 1971 in the press release on the purchase of the grounds on Karawankenweg into reality: "In addition to production, a development department is also envisaged later, which will provide a place of work for a number of highly qualified physicists, engineers and technicians."

Under the management of Günter Sandner, EZM started with about 60 highly qualified technicians and was spatially located in Hall 13. Their mission: development of new IC products for the world market as well as contract developments for Austrian industry.

Press Photos

  • A team of developers in the early days of the EZM
    A team of developers in the early days of the EZM
    ezm-ma-2

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  • Bernhard Plettner, CEO Siemens AG, welcomes Austrian Chancellor Bruno Kreisky at the Villach site
    Bernhard Plettner, CEO Siemens AG, welcomes Austrian Chancellor Bruno Kreisky at the Villach site
    kreisky-ezm

    PNG | 1.19 mb | 1000 x 698 px

  • From left to right: Deputy Governor Erwin Frühbauer, Walter Wolfsberger, CEO Siemens Austria, Federal Chancellor Bruno Kreisky, Governor Leopold Wagner, Bernhard Plettner, CEO Siemens AG.
    From left to right: Deputy Governor Erwin Frühbauer, Walter Wolfsberger, CEO Siemens Austria, Federal Chancellor Bruno Kreisky, Governor Leopold Wagner, Bernhard Plettner, CEO Siemens AG.
    EZM-2

    PNG | 1.16 mb | 1000 x 699 px

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