Eindhoven city council greenlights ASML expansion: 2nd location with 20,000 employees
On Tuesday, the Eindhoven city council gave the green light to amend the zoning plan so that ASML can construct a large new campus in the city, Omroep Brabant reported. The Veldhoven-based chip machine maker’s second location at the Brainport Industries Campus near Eindhoven Airport will eventually accommodate 20,000 new employees.
The province of Noord-Brabant also approved the plan with which ASML intends to compensate for the environmental impacts of the construction of its new campus and granted the applicable permit, ANP reported. Provincial Executive Member Saskia Boelema said that the province applied the strictest possible assessment. “We have determined that there are no alternatives. There are compelling reasons of significant public interest, and the environmental compensation has been sufficiently developed.”
The expansion will mean a major economic boost for the region. In addition to the new ASML employees, the development is also expected to create tens of thousands of jobs at the company’s suppliers in the region. In 2024, the city council already approved the expansion plans. The green light for the zoning plan changes allows for the relocation or modification of roads in the area around the new campus.
The approval of the expansion plans wasn’t a done deal. Many parties in the Eindhoven city council were concerned about whether the region can handle the arrival of another 20,000 ASML employees, citing rising home prices, pressure on the healthcare system, and accessibility of the region.
“A positive ASML decision will lead to unprecedented growth in our region,” said Jannie Visscher of the SP, one of six council members who voted against the zoning plan change. “The SP doesn’t want this to be at the expense of current residents. Unfortunately, we’re already seeing that happen.”
For example, locals in the area where ASML plans to build its second campus report experiencing pressure from the municipality to sell their properties.
The VVD was also concerned about some “loose ends,” but voted in favor of the plans. “We assume the municipality will continue to engage in constructive consultations with all stakeholders. Due ot the significant economic interests, we voted in favor, but we will continue to monitor developments,” said city councilor Ceciel van Bergdijk.
ASML hopes to begin construction of the first building of the new campus after the summer. The first 5,000 employees will start working there in early 2028, if all goes according to plan.
Despite these massive expansion plans and booking a record revenue of €32.7 billion last year, ASML also recently announced that it was laying off 1,700 people. Trade union CNV was very critical, comparing the company to the children’s book The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
“Cash is flowing in, and the future looks very promising. Still, to increase profits further, they apparently feel the need to cut staff,” said CNV negotiator Arjan Huizinga. “The company aims to prioritize engineering and innovation, but in the process, 1,700 employees, mostly in process management, are considered obstacles. This is not how you should treat people.”
