Semicon Europa trade show has a new home in Silicon Saxony, Europe’s leading microelectronics center. SEMI (Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International) will host the global event starting in 2009. The show will welcome its members at the Messe Dresden (Dresden Exhibition Center) from October 6-8, 2009. According to reports the location was chosen because it is considered to be the center of the European semiconductor industry. About 70 percent of all employees of the German semiconductor industry are located in Saxony, with about 44,000 employees in more than 1,200 businesses."We are moving to the home of one of the leading clusters of the semiconductor industry. By means of long-term prospective development planning, Silicon Saxony has emerged as one of the most important microelectronics centers in Europe. Surrounding established industry leaders a vital cluster of high potential has been created,” said Heinz Kundert, president of SEMI Europe. “By now, every second European chip is manufactured in Saxony. This is what makes Silicon Saxony the most important research, development and manufacturing location in Europe. We could not be any closer to our customers," "SEMI's decision underlines the cluster's role as one of the most dynamic economic centers in Germany. That Semicon Europa has now responded to Dresden's call only underscores this fact,” added Thomas Jurk, Saxony's minister for Economic Affairs and Labor. “Saxony is the locomotive for the European semiconductor Industry. Federal government policies have a responsibility to assure that Europe will continue to advance its importance as a location and innovation pool for the semiconductor industry in a global marketplace.” According to Dirk Hilbert, deputy mayor of the Department of Economic Development, the plans to increase the capacities of the Messe Dresden have positively influenced the negotiations with SEMI. As soon as the investment planning has been finalized by the city council, the development of a new conference center will start. The extension will bring 600 additional seats, ideal for small conferences, expert forums and workshops in addition to the annual show dates."Last but not least, the long-term reliable collaboration between Silicon Saxony and SEMI has prepared the grounds for this decision,” said Heinz Martin Esser, member of the board of Silicon Saxony. Since its establishment eight years ago, the association has brought together manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, universities as well as research and development institutions in this location. Its 265 member companies and their more than 35,000 employees generated total revenues of about four billion Euros in 2007. "Eighty percent of our members are small and medium-sized companies. These so-called ‘hidden champions’ substantially strengthen the economic region as a center for microelectronics, both nationally and internationally,” added Esser.For more information, visit: www.semiconeuropa.org