- Semiconductor company's expansion safeguarding skilled jobs
and boosting exports.
A £1.9 million grant, part of a £12 million company investment,
will support the growth of Scotland's Critical Technologies
supercluster, expanding a compound semiconductor wafer
manufacturer and creating new opportunities for staff and
apprentices.
Clas-SiC Wafer Fab, based in Lochgelly, is one of the first
recipients of Scottish Enterprise's new Capital Grant, which has
been designed to help drive levels of business investment and
productivity.
The funding will enable Clas-SiC to upgrade its technology and
equipment, enabling it to keep pace with growing global demand
for its silicon carbide power semiconductors, used in electric
vehicles and renewable energy systems. Production staff and
apprentices will also receive new training as part of the
expansion.
Economy Secretary said:
"This is a fantastic example of innovation and an ambitious
Scottish business driving growth in a competitive global market.
Scotland is home to one of the largest semiconductor clusters in
the UK. Clas-SiC is a fundamental part of this ecosystem and an
asset to Scotland's Critical Technologies supercluster.
This supercluster generates £4.5 billion turnover annually for
the economy and employs over 11,000 people. The Scottish
Government is supporting the industry-led ambition to grow this
to £10 billion with an additional 6,600 jobs by 2035.
Clas-SiC's expansion will safeguard skilled jobs in Fife,
strengthen our export base and support the fundamental
technologies that will power our transition to a cleaner economy.
Scottish Enterprise Chief Executive Adrian Gillespie said:
Clas-SiC is investing for the future confidently in one of the
most important global industries. The investment will
safeguard jobs in Fife, strengthen Scotland's advanced
manufacturing base and improve productivity as the business
continues to grow in international markets.
"Clas-SiC's silicon carbide semiconductor technology is making
power systems used in everything from electric vehicles to
renewable energy systems more efficient. Semiconductors are one
of the critical technologies shaping the global economy and
Scotland is well placed to make the most of the opportunities
this industry presents."
Clas-SiC Director and Chief Executive Officer Jen Walls said:
This investment is important as it helps accelerate our next
generation of technology. The additional capability will
strengthen our position on the global stage and improve our
ability to meet growing demand in a high growth sector. This
funding enhances our available capex and maintains our place
within the technology leading global supply chain.
