Murata builds new MEMS sensor fab in Finland

By Murielle Gonzalez | Published: 21-Aug-2018

New production facility for micro-electro mechanical systems will have cleanrooms ISO classes 4 and 5

Murata Manufacturing, the Japanese electronics components maker, has said it will invest five billion yen (US$45.3 million) in the construction of a new factory in Vantaa, Finland. The investment aims to increase its MEMS (micro-electro mechanical systems) sensor production capacity. The MEMS sensors manufactured by Murata in Finland are used in applications such as car safety systems and pacemakers.

A well-established manufacturer of electronic components, Murata has been increasing global production capacity, including its factory located in Finland. After having recently purchased the previously leased buildings, the company will construct a new facility of approximately 16,000 sqm. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2019 and operations are expected to commence beginning of 2020.

Murata acquired the Finnish company VTI Technologies – today known as Murata Electronics Oy – in 2012 and it is the only factory of Murata that manufactures MEMS sensors outside of Japan

The build contract has been awarded to NCC Building Finland and construction work has started. The company told Cleanroom Technology that the project will see the construction of cleanrooms ISO classes 4 and 5.

"The market for advanced driver-assistance systems, self-directed cars, healthcare, and other emerging technologies are expected to be significant growth drivers. MEMS sensors are critical solutions for these applications and deliver proven measurement accuracy and stability in a variety of conditions," said Yuichiro Hayata, MD for Murata Electronics Oy.

Murata acquired the Finnish company VTI Technologies – today known as Murata Electronics Oy – in 2012 and it is the only factory of Murata that manufactures MEMS sensors outside of Japan. The company said it has experienced tremendous growth over the last 10 years. The site in Finland also hosts R&D space and one of the biggest cleanroom facilities in the country.

“With the construction of this new production building, we will significantly increase our MEMS sensors production capacity. Moreover, by responding to the strong demand of gyro sensors, accelerometers, and combo sensors in the automotive, industry and healthcare fields, this will strengthen our business base in the automotive market, industrial equipment and medical devices market, while contributing to the economy and employment of Finland,” stated Makoto Kawashima, Director of Sensor Product Division in Murata Manufacturing.

Operations with long-term perspective

With the factory expansion in Finland, Murata will strengthen both R&D and manufacturing operations with a long-term perspective for increasing utilisation of this facility. The company currently employs 1,000 people in Finland and estimates to create 150–200 new jobs in 2018–2019.

Murata Electronics Oy specialises in the development and manufacture of 3D MEMS sensors mainly for safety, critical applications in automotive, as well as in healthcare and industrial applications.

Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. is deemed a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and sale of ceramic-based passive electronic components and solutions, communication modules and power supply modules. The company has employees and manufacturing facilities throughout the world.

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