December 2, 2024 /SemiMedia/ — Vishay Intertechnology, a global leader in discrete semiconductors and passive components, has announced a £51 million investment in the Newport Wafer Fab (NWF) in Wales. The facility was forcibly acquired earlier this year from Nexperia by the UK government.

The investment, supported by a £5 million contribution from the Welsh government, aims to build a new production line for power devices and transition to silicon carbide (SiC) power devices. Previously, under Nexperia’s operation, the facility hosted a small gallium nitride (GaN) device foundry line.

Additionally, U.S.-based KLA is constructing its new European headquarters in Newport's Imperial Park, a $100 million development including a research center, manufacturing facilities, and cleanrooms, with plans to hire up to 750 employees. Meanwhile, the nearby Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult has introduced a £1.6 million compound semiconductor packaging test line, further enhancing the region's semiconductor industry.