40 YEARS OF LAM RESEARCH: HIGH-TECH INNOVATION FROM VILLACH FOR THE WORLD

International semiconductor company Lam Research is celebrating 40 years at its Villach site this year. As part of the official anniversary celebrations at the end of July, the company received the Carinthian Coat of Arms. The award recognizes the site’s decades-long contributions to technological innovation, skills development, and the region's economic growth.

FROM CARINTHIAN INNOVATION TO A GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY HUB

Lam Research’s 40-year success story in Villach is a compelling example of what can be achieved when research, education, and international collaboration come together. The site’s roots date back to 1986, when SEZ was founded as a pioneer in single-wafer cleaning technology. After Lam Research acquired it in 2008, the Villach site has continued to expand and develop.

Today, Villach serves as a global center of expertise for Lam Research in cleaning and wet-process technologies used in semiconductor manufacturing. More than 1,000 employees from around 40 countries work here on technologies for the next generation of chip production. Solutions developed in Villach support leading semiconductor manufacturers such as Infineon, Intel and TSMC in producing increasingly powerful chips for applications including high-performance computing, artificial intelligence and advanced digital infrastructure.

At the same time, Lam Research is committed to high-quality apprenticeship training, sustainable solutions and powering its operations entirely with renewable energy. By combining technological expertise with skilled talent, training and sustainable development, the company makes an important contribution to the region’s technology cluster.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS AND AWARD

The company celebrated its 40th anniversary at the end of July with employees and numerous guests of honor. Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker and Governor of Carinthia Daniel Fellner paid tribute to the company’s development and its importance to Carinthia as a business and technology hub.

The presentation of the Carinthian Coat of Arms particularly recognized Lam Research’s longstanding ties to the region and its contribution to Carinthia's development as an economic hub. In 2024, Lam Research had already been honored with the Villach Coat of Arms.

The celebrations also included a touch of Villach tradition. As the anniversary coincided with Villach’s Kirchtag festival week, employees and guests of honor were treated to traditional Kirchtag soup. Mayor Günther Albel also presented General Manager Aaron Fellis with an oversized gingerbread heart as a token of appreciation for the company’s longstanding commitment to the site.

VILLACH AS A HIGH-TECH HUB WITH GLOBAL SIGNIFICANCE

Lam Research’s success story in Villach is a prime example of how international companies, research institutions, and regional expertise can come together to create a strong technology cluster. With companies such as Lam Research and Infineon, as well as research institutions such as Silicon Austria Labs (SAL), Villach has developed into an internationally significant center for microelectronics and high-tech research. Research and development, advanced manufacturing and targeted skills development form key pillars of this ecosystem.

Lam Research is therefore making a significant contribution to further strengthening Villach as a high-tech hub in southern Europe and enhancing its international standing.

FACTS & FIGURES (2026):

• 1986: The site’s origins as SEZ
• 2008: Acquisition by Lam Research Corporation
• Around 1,000 Employees from 40 countries