Creating over 500 jobs, Vishay’s £250 million wafer fab investment in South Wales is set to boost UK EV technology. Government welcomes the venture.
The UK Government has welcomed Vishay Intertechnology’s plan to invest £250 million in the Newport Wafer Fab in South Wales. This move aims to increase the production of silicon carbide devices, which are essential for electric vehicle (EV) technology.
According to a report by Semiconductor Today, the investment aligns with the UK’s goal to expand large-scale compound semiconductor manufacturing. The project is also supported by the UK’s automotive transformation fund (ATF), which is part of the Government’s industrial strategy.
Vishay’s investment will create over 500 high-skilled jobs directly in the region and support many more in the supply chain. The technology enhances battery charging, energy efficiency, and driving range for EVs.
The ATF, in partnership with the UK’s Advanced Propulsion Centre, aims to drive private investment in the automotive sector as it shifts towards zero-emission technologies. The UK Government has committed over £2 billion for research and development (R&D) funding to help transition to cleaner vehicle manufacturing and supply chains.
Jo Stevens, UK Secretary of State for Wales, highlighted that this investment bolsters Wales’s semiconductor industry. She praised Vishay’s work in advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and defence sectors, all of which are crucial for the Welsh economy.
Roy Shoshani, Vishay’s COO, expressed confidence in the UK’s potential for growth in semiconductor manufacturing. He emphasised that the skilled workforce in Newport and the UK’s Industrial Strategy creates an opportunity to strengthen the nation’s position in advanced semiconductors, supporting long-term economic growth and net-zero goals.
Mike Hawes, CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), stated that the investment would support the UK automotive sector by creating jobs, strengthening supply chains, and enhancing the nation’s strategic capabilities in next-generation semiconductors.
