austriamicrosystems (SWX: AMS), a leading supplier of analog ICs (integrated circuits) for communication, industrial, medical and automotive applications,  is celebrating its 25th anniversary. A pioneer of analog semiconductors in Europe, austriamicrosystems is today recognized worldwide as a technology leader in high performance analog solutions.

In the last year alone, austriamicrosystems delivered more than 250 million ICs which are used in a wide variety of electronic devices, such as mobile phones, MP3 players, GPS receivers, blood glucose meters, computer tomographs, car key immobilizers, and ESP systems (electronic vehicle stability control). In these applications, austriamicrosystems' ICs are making the daily lives of an increasing number of people worldwide simpler, safer and more convenient.

Focusing on analog semiconductors, austriamicrosystems is positioned at the crucial interface between the analog and the digital world. austriamicrosystems' chips transform signals from the real world, such as sound, light, pressure or temperature into digital signals, which can be processed by microprocessors. They also translate digital data back into analog signals, which are perceivable by humans. With 2005 revenues of nearly 181 million euros, austriamicrosystems achieved another record result last year. The worldwide customer base includes renowned international companies, such as Siemens, SonyEricsson, Motorola, Delphi, and SanDisk.

austriamicrosystems' leading position in analog ICs with extremely low power consumption and highest precision is a result of 25 years of experience in analog design. Ongoing extensive investments in research and development and close cooperation with universities in and outside Austria secure the company's technological leadership. With R&D expenses exceeding 17 per cent of revenues in 2005, austriamicrosystems is among the three most research-intensive businesses in Austria.

"We are proud of our growth, our ability to develop and innovate and the success of our products in the global analog semiconductor market. Our long-standing design expertise combined with leading-edge in-house production provides an excellent basis for further growth in the future," explained John Heugle, CEO of austriamicrosystems.

austriamicrosystems focuses on promising growth areas, such as portable audio systems, power management as well as sensors and sensor interfaces. Across its target markets, the company is quickly expanding its portfolio of standard products. Last year set a new record as, for the first time, more than 100 standard products were launched on the market. A global network of over 950 employees and 18 locations in Europe, America, Africa and Asia ensures austriamicrosystems’ broad market presence and closeness to its customers.

"The strategic decision to expand our standard product portfolio has become a significant growth driver for austriamicrosystems. Our markets in Asia and North America, in particular, offer outstanding growth potential in the coming years," said Michael Wachsler-Markowitsch, CFO of austriamicrosystems.

A key success factor for austriamicrosystems is its own state-of-the-art 200mm wafer fab. In order to meet growing demand, a further expansion of the wafer fab at the company’s headquarters in Austria has been announced. Production capacity is planned to increase from 6,500 WSPM (wafer starts per month) currently to roughly 8,000 WSPM in spring 2007. The additional investments totaling over 45 million euros are part of austriamicrosystems’ growth strategy and confirm its commitment to its Austrian base. The high-tech company’s market success also opens up new job opportunities: The present employee base of over 800 staff at the company’s headquarters will be expanded by a total of 50 new employees this year.

About austriamicrosystems

austriamicrosystems is a leading designer and manufacturer of high performance analog ICs, combining almost 25 years of analog design capabilities and system know-how with its own state-of-the-art manufacturing and test facilities. austriamicrosystems leverages its expertise in low power and high accuracy to provide industry-leading customized and standard analog products. Operating worldwide with more than 950 employees, austriamicrosystems focuses on the areas of power management, sensors & sensor interfaces, portable audio and car access in its markets Communications, Industry & Medical and Automotive, complemented by its Full Service Foundry activities. austriamicrosystems is listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange in Zurich (ticker symbol: AMS).