IR expands Newport
Many of the newly created jobs will be devoted to the company’s latest high voltage IC (HVIC) proprietary technology. Newport previously produced leading-edge low voltage devices on a 150mm wafer line. The new HVIC silicon can be used in integrated motor controllers for a variety of industrial, appliance and automotive applications.
Since the site’s acquisition from the liquidation of European Semiconductor Manufacturing (ESM), IR has invested more than $66mn to expand production capabilities and has increased the staff by more than 100. The site also included areas in which 200mm production had been planned by its previous owners.
First Minister of the Welsh Assembly Rhodri Morgan comments: "I am very pleased that the Welsh Assembly Government has played a key role in the company's expansion in Newport through a Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) grant. Our backing for this project has been crucial in securing a future for Newport's semiconductor manufacturing skill base and demonstrates International Rectifier's commitment to develop skilled R&D and operations openings here in the region."
International Rectifier acquired the Newport facility in 2002. Work since then has included consolidation of IR's low voltage trench product line, the doubling of Newport's initial production capacity and support for IR's low voltage R&D programme.