MKS leads in the production of critical semiconductor systems, with 10,200 employees and operations in 37 countries.
The U.S.-based company describes itself as the largest supplier of critical subsystems in the wafer fabrication equipment (WFE) ecosystem, accounting for more than 85% of the market.
As of year-end 2024, MKS had manufacturing facilities in Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Romania, Singapore, Slovenia, South Korea, Taiwan and the United States.
Semiconductor Critical Systems
MKS reported revenues of $3,586 million in 2024, a year-over-year decline of 1 percent. Approximately 42% of its net revenues came from sales to customers in the semiconductor market.
In addition to the production of semiconductor-critical systems, the company specializes in photonics and industrial process control.
Net customer revenue from its semiconductor market increased by $19 million (1%) in 2024 compared with 2023, primarily due to higher sales of its lithography, metrology and inspection products. This was partially offset by lower industry spending on deposition and etching equipment for memory applications, particularly NAND.
After posting a net loss of US$1,841 million in 2023, MKS achieved a net income of US$190 million in 2024.
Global Industrial
According to NXP Semiconductors, semiconductors perform a wide variety of functions in electronic products and systems, such as data processing, sensing, information storage, and electronic signal conversion or control.
Semiconductors are not the same. They vary according to their end use, the type of customer and their technical characteristics. Factors such as the level of integration, customization and manufacturing technology make important differences.
Recent advances have increased performance, reduced costs and minimized size. At the same time, they have boosted their presence in an increasingly wide range of products.
By 2024, the global semiconductor market will reach $627.6 billion, according to NXP Semiconductors.
This sustained growth reflects their strategic role. Today they are essential in sectors such as consumer electronics, automotive, telecommunications, healthcare, energy, defense and manufacturing.
Thanks to them, it is possible to process data, maintain connectivity and control systems. Thus, semiconductors continue to drive innovation in smart, efficient and connected products.
Illustratively, the indie semiconductor company’s products are used in three types of automotive applications: safety systems, user experience (including connected vehicle) and electrification.
According to S&P Global, these key applications are projected to increase total automotive semiconductor potential from $80 billion in 2023 to $149 billion in 2030, far outpacing the growth of the global semiconductor market and representing a significant potential market for the indie industry.