Learn more about the landmarks that formed our history, since Topsil was founded in the late 1950s. Topsil's history is the tale of a specialised global niche corporation, dedicated to the manufacture of ultra pure silicon wafers.
Danish civil engineer, Dr. Haldor Topsøe, starts to develop ultra-pure silicon on the basis of float zone technology in the basement of his home, Hellerup, Copenhagen. The company is founded in Frederikssund on the outskirts of greater Copenhagen.
Topsil soon launches its first high quality product, "hyper pure silicon" (HPS) for advanced detector technology. The first silicon wafers are small, between 1 and 1½ inches in diameter.
In 1972, Dr. Haldor Topsøe decides to divest Topsil from his other business activities which are related to catalysts. Two years later, Topsil succeed in making a technological breakthrough worldwide when launching neutron doped (NTD) silicon for high voltage components. Diameters available are now up to 3 inch.
Times are difficult for silicon manufacturers due to severe global recession. Topsil becomes restructured and reestablished in 1983. In 1986, the company becomes publicly listed. By the end of the decade, the silicon wafer diameters have passed a size of 5 inch.
Topsil launches the gas phase doped "preferred float zone" (PFZ) product, targeting medium voltage components, and which builds upon previous product generations. At the turn of the millenium customers are offered 150mm (6 inch) silicon wafers.
The demand for silicon is notably on its rise due to a world economy booming and increased focus on the green agenda. Topsil enters into long term contracts with its raw material supplies balanced out with long term contracts with its six main customers and acquires Cemat Silicon (Now: Topsil S.A.) in Poland, 2008.
In order to further exploit expected long term market growth, Topsil decides to speed up its product development and expand its production capacity. In 2012 Topsil inaugurates a new and enlarged state-of-the art production facility and new products in the form of 200mm silicon wafers (eight inch) as well as other tecnically improved products are ready for the market. In 2014 Topsil established a subsidiary in Japan.
On 20 May 2016 Topsil signed an agreement with GlobalWafers Co. Ltd., Taiwan, to sell its silicon business, and the acquisition was adopted on an extraordinary general meeting on 17 June 2016. After the acquisition Topsil changed its name to Topsil GlobalWafers A/S.
