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Vishay Expands UK’s Largest Semiconductor Plant to Boost Silicon Carbide Production

Semiconductors and Electronics

Business Honor
29 March, 2025

Strengthening the UK’s Semiconductor Supply Chain for EVs, Clean Energy, and Innovation.

Vishay has announced a substantial investment in the UK's biggest semiconductor manufacturing facility to boost production of next-generation silicon Carbide (SiC) semiconductors. The investment will enhance the UK's capability in semiconductors, particularly for the electric vehicle (EV), renewable energy, and defense industries. The takeover is made possible by the UK government's Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF) to buy the locally manufactured supply chain of semiconductors and reduce reliance on foreign producers.

Silicon carbide semiconductors play a vital role in efforts to improve EV performance, increase energy efficiency, and enable fast battery charging. Their higher thermal and electrical characteristics make them imperative for the expanding demand in automotive and clean energy applications. With the increase in SiC production at the erstwhile Newport Wafer Fab facility in Wales, Vishay is consolidating the UK's leadership in the semiconductor segment while fostering technology growth in power electronics.

The investment is forecast to create more than 500 highly skilled posts in the area as it supports hundreds of others throughout the supply chain. Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds welcomed the growth as a huge boost for the UK's semiconductor sector, highlighting its role in achieving economic growth and energy security. Vishay's COO of semiconductors and CTO, Roy Shoshani, also pointed to the strength of the UK in advanced semiconductor technology, mentioning the highly skilled labor and government assistance as catalysts for growth.

The investment comes following Vishay's £51m stake in the Newport facility last year as part of further development, turning the facility into a premier manufacturing base for SiC semiconductors. As the worldwide demand for the sophisticated semiconductors picks up, Britain is emerging at the forefront to spearhead next-generation power devices and green tech.