Latest news with #CSconnected
South Wales Argus
5 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Plans to boost manufacturing and semiconductors in Newport
UK Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, launched a fresh strategic approach for industry which has major benefits to Wales, the minister said. He has the backing of the UK Government's Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens and local industry leaders in Newport. The plan will see further subsidies for manufacturing that are high energy users and also a boost to the semiconductor industry, which is strong along the M4 corridor area in Gwent. Other Welsh boosts, largely outside Gwent, will see cost benefits for defence, chemical and steel making, with further subsidised energy costs being offered. From 2027, electricity costs will be cut by up to £40 per megawatt hour for electricity-intensive businesses. The Business Secretary has said the cash boost will help Welsh industry and attract new investment: "It will make existing Welsh industry a lot more competitive and attract new investment," he added. Energy-intensive industries will get help from the British Industry Supercharger, which will use more taxpayers' money to increase subsidies in energy intense production. The subsidies will increase from 60 per cent to 90 percent in 2026. The industrial strategy is a decade-long plan to 'make business cheaper and easier' and assist UK Government in its growth aims. The plan is to "make it quicker, easier and cheaper" to do business in the UK, he clarified. The package for Wales will see a university-led growth in research into semiconductors, which will feed the Gwent-based manufacturers. The doctoral centre will be 'world- leading' and based in Swansea. The funding will see £275million for skills and training in England and a related, so-called Barnett consequential funding for Wales. That funding will be at the heart of the strategy, it is claimed. Skills training is devolved to Wales and Wales ordinarily gets a bigger share of funding from what is called the Barnett consequential. This means Wales should get a bigger proportionate share for training than is available in England. The Welsh Government can add to the sums and further boost work in education and training, which is already proportionately bigger in Wales's smaller and less competitive job market. However, adding to the sums is entirely the decision of the Welsh Government, Mr Reynolds has pointed out. UK Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, said the industrial strategy was good for Wales and its businesses. She added: "The strategy will support key sectors like compound semiconductors while developing industries of the future like floating offshore wind where Wales is well-placed to be a world leader.' The strategy aims to harness an 'investment zone' around the semiconductor sector in Newport. Dr Wyn Meredith, Chair of CSconnected, the collective brand for advanced semiconductor activities in South East Wales, said: "This announcement marks a major milestone in strengthening South Wales' position as a global leader in compound semiconductor technologies. "The Cardiff Capital Region Investment Zone will support the growth of this strategically important industry, accelerating supply chain growth, workforce development programmes, and innovation to produce the products and services of the future. These factors are critical drivers for further job creation, inward investment and remaining globally competitive in this highly competitive global industry." Michael O'Sullivan, Executive Vice President of Vishay, which operates the largest semiconductor factory in the UK based in Newport, said: 'This is a critical milestone for South Wales and the UK as a whole – a vote of confidence in the talented workers who have attracted investment from Government and companies across the globe. "We know that the world class semiconductor cluster in South Wales has the expertise to meet the great challenges of our age – from Net Zero to the huge energy demands that will come from the growth of AI and electric vehicles. 'We plan to invest £250m, supporting 500 jobs to manufacture cutting edge compound semiconductors. These microchips with faster processing speeds will reduce energy losses and support advanced manufacturing industries from next generation wind turbines, data centres, to the latest electric vehicles and chargers. 'We look forward to working in partnership with leaders in the Welsh Government, Cardiff Capital Region and beyond to make the most of this opportunity for growth." Welsh Labour ministers are expressing delight at recent events and are buoyed ahead of next year's Senedd elections by this news. The boost follows the recent spending review that saw £445million pumped into rail, bus, cycling and walking alternatives to the congestion on the M4. Rebecca Evans, Welsh Government Minister for the Economy and Energy, has told media the boost is the result of the government partnership between the Senedd and Westminster. A spokeswoman for Plaid Cymru said Wales is being short changed by Westminster again and will remain an afterthought in Labour's plans, which seem to centre on Senedd elections, not economic renewal. Key factors for Wales: UK Government to establish a centre for doctoral training in semiconductors, building on the world-leading cluster based in south Wales. A Defence Growth Deal cluster to build on Wales's major strengths. The top five Ministry of Defence suppliers all have a presence in Wales. A new British Business Bank champion for the Cardiff Capital Region to connect investors with businesses and kickstart growth. £30m for a Local Innovation Partnerships Fund in Wales to work with the Welsh Government and Innovate UK to grow innovation. The National Wealth Fund working with the Development Bank of Wales to identify and secure financing for investment projects in Wales. Support for the UK's city regions and clusters by increasing the supply of investment sites through a new £600m Strategic Sites Accelerator. Strengthened support from the Office for Investment to help identify, shape and deliver strategic investment opportunities.
Business News Wales
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business News Wales
CSconnected Joins Wales Tech Week 2025 as Cluster Zone Partner
Technology Connected has announced that CSconnected, the world's first compound semiconductor cluster, will be a Cluster Zone Partner at Wales Tech Week 2025. The event is set to take place from November 24 to 26 at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Wales in Newport. As a Cluster Zone Partner, CSconnected will host the Compound Semiconductors Zone on the exhibition floor, showcasing Wales' pioneering leadership in compound semiconductor technologies. This dedicated area will feature leading industry players and innovators who are driving advancements in this critical sector. Wales has emerged as a global hub for compound semiconductors, with CSconnected representing and supporting the region's world-leading ecosystem. The cluster integrates world-class research, cutting-edge manufacturing, and a robust supply chain — contributing significantly to breakthroughs in sectors such as telecommunications, healthcare, and the automotive industry. 2025 is shaping up to be a transformative year, as Wales continues to cement its role as a vital player in the global semiconductor landscape. Most notably, Vishay Intertechnology has announced a £250 million investment in its Newport facility, aiming to revolutionise electric vehicle production through advanced semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, the newly announced semiconductor design centre in Cardiff — a strategic collaboration between the Welsh Government, CSA Catapult, and Cadence Design Systems — is addressing crucial skills gaps while providing essential design services to UK companies. Together, these complementary initiatives highlight Wales' unique and growing ecosystem spanning research, design, and manufacturing — firmly positioning the nation as an end-to-end semiconductor leader, driving innovation across multiple sectors. Avril Lewis MBE, Managing Director of Technology Connected, said: 'The compound semiconductor sector is one of Wales' greatest strengths – built on decades of expertise, innovation, and collaboration. CSconnected's presence at Wales Tech Week 2025 reflects the growing global significance of this cluster and the vital role Wales plays in the future of advanced technologies. This isn't just about showcasing capability, it's about demonstrating leadership on a global stage.' Howard Rupprecht, Director of CSconnected, said: 'Wales Tech Week 2025 is a great opportunity for CSconnected to showcase the strength and ambition of the South Wales semiconductor cluster. As Cluster Zone Partner for Compound Semiconductors, we'll be highlighting our region's capabilities and connecting with others to help drive the ecosystem forward.' Wales Tech Week 2025 aims to be a pivotal platform to connect, promote, and develop Wales as a centre of expertise and opportunity for enabling and emerging technologies. The inclusion of the 'Compound Semiconductors Zone' emphasises the event's commitment to showcasing the nation's key technological strengths to a global audience, the organisers said. For more information about CSconnected, visit CSconnected's official website. To learn more about Wales Tech Week 2025 and to explore exhibitor and partnership opportunities, and attend, visit Wales Tech Week's official website.
