May 28, 2025 /SemiMedia/ — U.S. semiconductor equipment maker KLA has invested $138 million to expand its research and manufacturing operations in Newport, Wales, focusing on advanced packaging technologies.

The new facility, spanning 237,000 square feet, adds significant production and collaboration capacity. It includes a 25,000-square-foot R&D cleanroom, 35,000 square feet of manufacturing space, and a demonstration area dedicated to power devices, RF, MEMS, photonics, and advanced packaging tools. The expansion builds upon KLA’s acquisition of SPTS Technologies in 2019, a move that initially established its presence in the region.

The site will eventually accommodate up to 750 employees. “As demand for high-performance chips driven by AI and other technologies continues to rise, our expanded footprint and deep technical portfolio position us to meet those needs,” said Dan Collins, general manager of KLA’s Wales operations. “This investment reinforces our commitment to technology, talent development, and long-term partnerships in the region.”

Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, welcomed the expansion, noting the strategic importance of Wales’s compound semiconductor cluster. “The UK government recently allocated nearly £5 million to support semiconductor talent development. KLA’s investment strengthens our leadership in this critical and fast-growing sector,” she said.