Semiconductor development in the European Union
Consortium Secures €168 Million Contract to Deliver Imec Semiconductor Research Centre in Málaga
A joint venture comprising OHLA, Sando and ITERCON has been awarded a €168 million contract to design and construct the new Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre (imec) facility in Málaga, Spain. The landmark project will create a world-class semiconductor research and development hub, further strengthening Spain’s position within Europe’s rapidly expanding semiconductor ecosystem.
Promoted by the Spanish Society for Technological Transformation (SETT), the new centre represents one of the most significant technology infrastructure investments currently underway in Spain. The facility is expected to play a critical role in advancing semiconductor innovation and supporting the European Union’s ambitions to enhance technological sovereignty and reduce dependence on external chip supply chains.
The project involves the turnkey delivery of a highly specialised 45,000-square-metre industrial and research complex dedicated to advanced semiconductor technologies. Once completed, the facility will integrate state-of-the-art research laboratories, pilot manufacturing areas and technical support infrastructure focused on the development and production of 300-millimetre semiconductor wafers.
Located within the expansion area of Málaga Tech Park, one of Spain’s leading innovation and technology clusters, the development is expected to reinforce Málaga’s growing reputation as a major European centre for technology, research and advanced manufacturing.
At the heart of the facility will be a cutting-edge cleanroom spanning approximately 2,000 square metres. Designed to meet the stringent requirements of semiconductor research and pilot production, the cleanroom will be supported by dedicated technical buildings, control rooms, engineering infrastructure and specialist R&D spaces.
The project scope also includes the construction of supporting infrastructure across the wider site, including internal road networks, access routes, pedestrian walkways, parking facilities and landscaped public areas, creating a fully integrated and operational campus environment.
Construction is scheduled to continue through 2028, with the facility designed to meet ambitious sustainability and environmental performance standards. The development is targeting LEED Gold certification and will incorporate energy-efficient systems, environmentally responsible construction practices and advanced project coordination technologies aimed at minimising environmental impact while maintaining the highest quality standards.
Upon completion, the new imec centre is expected to become a cornerstone of Spain’s semiconductor strategy, supporting next-generation chip research, fostering innovation partnerships and helping to position Europe at the forefront of global semiconductor development.
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