Press Release

ZEISS donates 42,000 euros to the Ulm Support Group for Children with Tumors and Leukemia

8 March 2024 · 4 min read

Donation goes to the Ulm Support Group for Children with Tumours and Leukaemia (“Förderkreis Ulm für tumor- und leukämiekranke Kinder e.V.”) to provide integrated support during and after cancer diagnosis
Traditional fundraising campaign supports projects in the region every year

Oberkochen, Germany | 08 March 2024 | ZEISS Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology

The annual fundraising campaign organized by the Worker’s Council of the ZEISS Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology (SMT) segment at the Oberkochen site raised 42,000 euros, which will go to the Ulm Support Group for Children with Tumors and Leukaemia (“Förderkreis Ulm für tumor- und leukämiekranke Kinder e.V.”). The traditional annual fundraising campaign supports projects in the region and thus follows the social commitment of ZEISS. About 2,600 lottery tickets were sold at the site and more than 150 employees made on-line donations. The SMT Management team doubled what was already a record sum raised of just under 21,000 euros to make a grand total of 42,000 euros. The fundraising campaigns of ZEISS SMT's Worker’s Council are held every year during the Christmas season. In past years money was raised for regional initiatives and organizations such as the Kinderstiftung Knalltüte or the food banks in Aalen and Heidenheim.

Four men and one woman hold a donation cheque. — Official presentation of the donation at the ZEISS site in Oberkochen (l. to r.): Gerhard Bösner (ZEISS SMT Worker’s Council), Artur Franzke (ZEISS SMT Worker’s Council), Elvira Wäckerle (Ulm Support Group), Dr. Jens Werner (ZEISS SMT Management) and Richard Wäckerle (Ulm Support Group).

"Wall-to-wall" support when cancer is diagnosed

The various forms of leukemia are malignant diseases of the hematopoietic (blood-forming) system and, at about 30 percent of all malignant neoplasms, constitute the most frequent cancers in children and young people. "A diagnosis of this nature is a severe blow for the families, and the life of everyone affected is turned upside down," emphasizes Artur Frantzke, Deputy Chairman of the ZEISS SMT Worker’s Council in Oberkochen. "The large sum raised demonstrates our commitment to this important cause. Wall-to-wall support for children and their families can therefore be invaluable."

Dr. Jens Werner, HR Manager of ZEISS SMT and a member of the Management team added, "It always makes us proud that in spite of our privileged position, we as a company never lose sight of those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Therefore a big thank-you is due to all colleagues for their commitment."

Money well spent

The money is needed by the Ulm Support Group which is 100% financed by donations. Preliminary plans have already been made to use the money donated by ZEISS SMT. For instance, a clinic at the Ulm University Hospital which supports patients as an important point of contact after cancer therapy, as well as activities such as goody boxes, days out or music therapy, will be subsidized.

Press Contact Jeannine Rapp Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH

About ZEISS

ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. In the previous fiscal year, the ZEISS Group generated annual revenue totaling 10 billion euros in its four segments Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology and Consumer Markets (status: 30 September 2023).

For its customers, ZEISS develops, produces and distributes highly innovative solutions for industrial metrology and quality assurance, microscopy solutions for the life sciences and materials research, and medical technology solutions for diagnostics and treatment in ophthalmology and microsurgery. The name ZEISS is also synonymous with the world's leading lithography optics, which are used by the chip industry to manufacture semiconductor components. There is global demand for trendsetting ZEISS brand products such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses and binoculars.

With a portfolio aligned with future growth areas like digitalization, healthcare and Smart Production and a strong brand, ZEISS is shaping the future of technology and constantly advancing the world of optics and related fields with its solutions. The company's significant, sustainable investments in research and development lay the foundation for the success and continued expansion of ZEISS' technology and market leadership. ZEISS invests 15 percent of its revenue in research and development – this high level of expenditure has a long tradition at ZEISS and is also an investment in the future.

With around 43,000 employees, ZEISS is active globally in almost 50 countries with around 30 production sites, 60 sales and service companies and 27 research and development facilities (status: 30 September 2023). Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The Carl Zeiss Foundation, one of the largest foundations in Germany committed to the promotion of science, is the sole owner of the holding company, Carl Zeiss AG.

Further information at www.zeiss.com

Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology

With its product portfolio and expertise, the Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology segment of ZEISS covers a variety of key processes in the production of microchips. Its products include semiconductor manufacturing optics – notably lithography optics – as well as photomask systems and process control solutions for semiconductor manufacturing. Thanks to ZEISS technology, microchips are becoming increasingly smaller, more powerful, more energy-efficient and more affordable. The electronic applications of these ongoing enhancements enable global progress in many disciplines such as technology, electronics, communication, entertainment, mobility and energy. Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology is headquartered in Oberkochen. Other sites include Jena, Rossdorf, Wetzlar and Aachen in Germany, as well as Bar Lev (Israel) and Dublin, CA and Danvers, MA (USA).