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ASML to reduce workforce by 1,700 to improve operational agility
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 10:18 AM
ASML has announced plans to reduce its global workforce by approximately 1,700 positions, representing about 4% of its total employees. The company stated the move aims to streamline internal operations and improve agility for its engineering teams by reducing process friction, despite maintaining strong sales and high demand for its lithography systems driven by the AI sector.
Context
On January 28, 2026, ASML announced a plan to reduce its global workforce by approximately 1,700 positions, or roughly 4% of its staff. The restructuring specifically targets management and leadership roles within the Technology and IT organizations, primarily in the Netherlands and the United States. This strategic move is intended to streamline operations and eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, allowing the company's engineers to focus on core innovation without being hampered by slow internal processes.
The downsizing occurs from a position of record strength. ASML reported total net sales for 2025 of €32.7 billion, with net profits reaching €9.6 billion. Demand remains exceptionally high due to the global AI boom, evidenced by a record €13.2 billion in fourth-quarter bookings. By optimizing its organizational structure now, ASML aims to maintain the agility needed to meet its raised 2026 sales guidance of €34 billion to €39 billion and sustain its dominant position in the semiconductor supply chain.
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