Onsemi to Cut 200-300 Jobs at Czech SiC Wafer Facility Amid Market Adjustments

Why It Matters

The downsizing signals a slowdown in SiC demand and forces a reassessment of Europe’s role in the power‑semiconductor supply chain, affecting investors and OEMs alike.

Key Takeaways

• Onsemi trims 200‑300 jobs at Czech SiC wafer plant.
• Roznov facility produces over 250,000 wafers monthly, 1 billion devices yearly.
• Earlier 2025 cut removed 170 employees, showing ongoing workforce adjustments.
• Global SiC capacity growth pressures pricing and forces production reassessment.
• $2 billion Roznov expansion slated for 2027 now faces staffing constraints.

Pulse Analysis

The Roznov plant has been onsemi’s flagship European SiC operation, delivering a critical volume of power‑device wafers that feed automotive, industrial and renewable‑energy applications. Its vertically integrated line—from crystal growth to chip fabrication—was built to capture a projected surge in demand for high‑efficiency power electronics, a market that has historically outpaced supply. By 2027, the $2 billion investment was expected to cement the Czech Republic as a central node in the global SiC ecosystem.

However, the past two years have seen a rapid expansion of SiC capacity worldwide, with rivals in China, Japan and the United States adding new fabs. This oversupply, coupled with price pressure from downstream OEMs seeking cost‑effective solutions, has eroded the premium on SiC wafers. onsemi’s latest workforce reduction reflects a strategic pivot: scaling back labor to match a more modest production outlook while preserving the plant’s core capabilities. The decision also aligns with broader cost‑control measures across the semiconductor sector, where margins are tightening amid macro‑economic uncertainty.

Looking ahead, the staffing cuts may reshape the European SiC landscape. While the Roznov facility will continue to operate at a reduced scale, its existing infrastructure positions it to ramp up quickly should demand rebound, especially as electric‑vehicle adoption accelerates. Investors will watch onsemi’s ability to balance short‑term efficiency with long‑term growth, and OEMs will assess whether the Czech supply chain can meet future volume needs without further disruptions. The outcome will influence competitive dynamics and could determine whether Europe retains a strategic foothold in the fast‑evolving power‑semiconductor market.