Investment in the Future: iST Strengthens Rožnov Site with Purchase of Production Building

More Room for Growth

The production building is not unfamiliar territory for iST: for several years, the company has already been using parts of the premises for production and development activities. By acquiring the entire building, iST now secures additional long-term capacity directly at its existing site.

This opens up new opportunities to gradually develop additional space, optimize processes, integrate technologies, and align the site specifically with future requirements.

“By purchasing the building, we are underscoring our clear commitment to the Rožnov site,” says Thomas Bürgler, Director Operations at iST. “We are investing in infrastructure, modern manufacturing technologies, and the more than 200 employees on site—and in doing so, we are strengthening the efficiency of our production in the Czech Republic.”

Modernization in Stages

The building, with an area of 9,950 m², will be renovated in stages over the coming years. The first step will be the refurbishment of the building envelope in order to sustainably improve energy efficiency, appearance, and structural integrity.

More than 30 Years of Success

The story of iST Rožnov began in 1994, when Swiss-based iST founded a subsidiary in the Czech Republic. What started as a small assembly operation has developed over the years into an important site with around 200 employees.

Rožnov was not chosen by chance: the region near Ostrava and Brno was considered the “Silicon Valley of the East” at the time and, thanks to its semiconductor industry, technical universities, and skilled workforce, offered an ideal environment for high-tech production.

Today, iST Rožnov is an integral part of the iST Group—as a production site and as a center for research and development, particularly in the manufacture of thick-film glass pastes.

A Strong Signal for the Region

With the acquisition of the building, iST is sending a clear message to employees, partners, and the region: Rožnov remains a central part of the company’s strategy. The investment strengthens development opportunities on site and underscores the company’s long-term confidence in the location.

Flexible Production Landscape

The purchase of the building is part of iST’s long-term site strategy. It lays the foundation for further growth, greater flexibility, and the targeted expansion of activities in Rožnov—not by relocating, but directly at the existing site.

While cleanroom processes are carried out exclusively at the headquarters in Ebnat-Kappel, Rožnov continues to play an important role within iST’s international production network. As in Ebnat-Kappel, where automation and technological advancement are key priorities, targeted investments are also being made in modern manufacturing technologies in Rožnov. At the same time, the site remains central for products and processes with a higher proportion of manual production.

Outlook

The coming years hold great potential: in addition to the renovation of the building, further projects are planned—from the gradual use of additional space and the expansion of production capacities to the introduction of new technologies.

Through close collaboration with the headquarters in Ebnat-Kappel, synergies will be further strengthened, expertise pooled, and the innovative power of the entire iST Group expanded.

In this way, iST is laying the foundation for sustainable growth, a flexible production landscape, and strong international competitiveness.