Area Development
Umicore has opened a germanium wafer production facility in Quapaw, Oklahoma. The company broke ground on the 40,000-square-foot plant in October 2008. The construction represents an investment of tens of millions of dollars.

"Global demand for Ge wafers is set to rise significantly in the years to come. This is why we pursue an ambitious production expansion plan. With our production facilities in the United States and Belgium, we are now in an ideal position in terms of quantity and quality to meet rising demand. In addition, Quapaw will enable us to strengthen our global lead in 6 inch Ge wafers," said Carl Quaeyhaegens, general manager at Umicore's Substrates Business Line.

Germanium wafers are a core part of triple junction (III-V) high-efficiency solar cells used in satellites.