Play to strengths, seize opportunities.

The Comet Group has entered 2022 with significant momentum. Our customers continue to place their trust in us and have given us new opportunities. The Group is focused, and is financially and structurally more robust than ever before. With more flexible and leaner processes, an invigorated corporate culture and a high order backlog, Comet is well-placed to leverage the potential of growing digitalization. At the same time, it is equipped to successfully counter macroeconomic risks.

Strong market growth expected

The outlook in Comet’s core markets is bright. The long-term drivers for the semiconductor and electronics market, which is Comet’s primary focus, are intact. Artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, autonomous driving, and new technological developments and processes in microchip production will fuel demand for semiconductors, and thus for our plasma and x-ray solutions, in 2022 and beyond. The already strong long-term demand is currently further boosted by the shortage of memory chips.

Comet is also witnessing various degrees of recovery in the automotive, aerospace and security – driven by the pent up demand reflecting the current aging of vehicles in use, the increasing replacement of internal combustion vehicles with electric ones and increasing air travel. This will have a positive impact especially on demand for x-ray inspection solutions for non-destructive testing.

For Comet, 2022 will therefore be about expanding its capacity and adapting to the growing needs of its customers, controlling its supply chains, and remaining ready to deliver, all while balancing macro-economic risks.

The most pivotal project in terms of future impact remains the work on a Comet RF power subsystem for the semiconductor industry. In addition to the generator, it involves launching a new match controller and improved vacuum capacitors to provide customers with the best results. After successful beta testing of the new generator in 2021, customers can expect the advanced solutions in 2022.

X-Ray Systems – Realignment and new services: In 2022, IXS will continue its realignment and further advance the modular standardization and strengthening of the product portfolio – for example, with new offerings such as the UX50 system – and of the software platform. Following early successes with workflows based on artificial intelligence, more digital services will be offered to customers. An important driver of future growth is the further successful collaboration with leading manufacturers of advanced packages in the Asian semiconductor market. Here, the division intends to build on its initial successes and add to its offering.

X-Ray Modules – Bolstering the offering for electronics, semiconductors, batteries and high-end CT: The positive sentiment in the traditional non-destructive testing business in the automotive, aerospace, oil and gas markets provides good conditions for a successful 2022 for the X-Ray Modules division. The division’s main focus will therefore be on the vigorous marketing of its newly launched products and on enlarging its offering for the examination of electronics, semiconductors and batteries and for high-end computed tomography.