Camtek Ltd, a prominent provider of inspection and metrology solutions for the semiconductor sector, announced that it has entered into a final agreement to acquire Visual Layer, an AI-focused firm based in Tel Aviv known for its expertise in visual analytics.

Visual Layer was established by Danny Bickson and Amir Alush and is supported by top Silicon Valley venture capital investors. The company contributes advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, including proprietary technologies and a talented team of AI specialists and software engineers with strong expertise in visual AI. Over the past year, Camtek has collaborated closely with Visual Layer, incorporating its solutions into its own products and working together extensively in research and development, gaining deep familiarity with the company’s technology, personnel, and execution.

Rafi Amit, Camtek’s Chief Executive Officer, stated that AI has been a key strategic focus for the company, and acquiring Visual Layer represents a major advancement in both the scope and speed of its development efforts. He noted that Visual Layer’s technology and team complement Camtek’s ongoing initiatives, and expressed confidence that the acquisition will strengthen the company’s ability to meet the evolving demands of the market. He also highlighted the strong cultural alignment between the two organizations, particularly their shared emphasis on innovation and customer-centricity, reinforced by their year-long collaboration.

Lior Aviram, Executive Chairman of Camtek, added that the semiconductor industry is clearly moving toward AI-powered inspection and metrology solutions, which will shape future competition. He emphasized that Camtek aims to be at the forefront of this shift and expects near-term benefits such as enhanced product performance and efficiency. Additionally, he pointed to opportunities beyond the company’s core business, including the development of AI-driven software and analytics solutions that could generate recurring revenue streams over time.

Danny Bickson, CEO, and Amir Alush, CTO of Visual Layer, commented that semiconductor manufacturing is one of the most complex and strategically significant industries globally, with Camtek playing a central role. They explained that Visual Layer was designed specifically to tackle challenges in industrial visual intelligence, and their collaboration with Camtek over the past year demonstrated how AI can significantly improve production capabilities. Joining Camtek, they said, provides access to broader resources, customers, and scale, enabling greater impact. They also expressed their goal of expanding Camtek’s AI division into a leading center of excellence capable of attracting top-tier talent.

The acquisition is subject to standard closing conditions and is anticipated to be finalized within the coming weeks. Financial details were not disclosed.

Further updates are expected alongside Camtek’s first-quarter 2026 financial results, scheduled for release in May 2026.

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Ongoing Commitment to Reducing Waste
For several years, we’ve been committed to minimizing waste across our operations. We are intensifying our focus on reducing food waste by participating in and launching initiatives aimed at prevention.

Key Achievements

Strategic Focus
With nearly one-third of all food produced globally going uneaten, we recognize the urgent need to act. Our strategy centers on minimizing food waste at our company-owned manufacturing sites by targeting high-impact areas.

At Mondelēz International, robust governance systems guide us in pinpointing where the most significant food losses occur during production. These insights allow us to enhance processes and continuously improve how we manage and reduce waste.

We use Lean Six Sigma methodologies and cutting-edge digital and engineering tools to build more efficient systems. Through constant performance monitoring, we are able to quickly respond and implement necessary changes. Our teams regularly evaluate operations to identify waste reduction opportunities and adjust accordingly.

Actions and Outcomes
Last year, our sustainability efforts were concentrated on boosting the efficiency of our production lines. Monthly tracking of waste trends enabled us to uncover high-impact opportunities for improvement across various regions and processes.

We’ve set a target to reduce food waste in our internal manufacturing by around 15% by 2025 (using 2018 as the benchmark), while each business unit and facility pursues its own specific objectives. Our focus extends beyond food waste to include overall waste generation, treatment, and diversion from landfills.

In 2024, our approach paid off—food waste from internal manufacturing was cut by about 30%, significantly ahead of our 2025 target. We also reduced food waste from distribution by roughly 47%, keeping us on track to meet our goals.

Some standout examples include:

Preventing Edible Food from Going to Waste
In 2024, our Philadelphia brand deepened its collaboration with the Too Good To Go app. This effort helped consumers in countries such as Austria, Germany, and Sweden purchase items nearing expiration. We also addressed confusion around best-before dates by including the “Often Good After” label on our packaging.

In Sweden, we supported Matmissionen supermarkets by donating surplus products, which are sold at discounted prices to individuals facing economic hardship.

Looking Ahead
We are steadily advancing toward our goal of eliminating food waste by strengthening our prevention and reduction programs in partnership with key stakeholders.

Targets