+44 (0)24 7671 8970
More publications     •     Advertise with us     •     Contact us
*/
News Article

Contract will supply $1m of components to UK nano and microtech project

News
Semi Scenic has secured a contract worth more than $1 million dollars to supply essential components to the UK's flagship micro and nanotechnology project based in Scotland.
Semi Scenic has secured a contract worth more than $1 million dollars to supply essential components to the UK's flagship micro and nanotechnology project based in Scotland.Semi Scenic has agreed the deal with Semefab (Scotland). The announcement comes as Semefab plans to further expand its operations and investment in the £15 million UK MNT project. It has acquired a 3000 square metre facility adjacent to its existing premises in Fife which will enable it to roll out the next phase of the project. Scottish Enterprise has invested £3 million and the Department of Trade and Industry a further £3.6 million in Semefab to establish a UK centre of excellence in Micro and Nanotechnology processing. The centre provides SME companies with integrated facilities for the process design of prototype MEMS (micro electro mechanical system) devices.MEMS technology has a variety of uses and is an important component of bio and gas sensors, car air bags and flat screen televisions. Future applications are likely to include the discovery of new drugs, detecting toxic agents in the atmosphere and turning mobile phones into navigation tools more effective than GPS.Hailed as the first project of its kind in the UK, the facility in Fife offers open access cleanroom space for potential MNT innovations to help secure Scotland's and the UK's position in micro technology in the 21st century. By offering open access to high specification design and fabrication facilities, the project aims to speed up the development process and break down barriers to market entry for SMEs within the sector.Semi Scenic will supply wafer etch tooling for the MEMs applications, a fundamental constituent in developing the overall project. Semefab selected Semi Scenic as a strategic partner due to the company's comprehensive equipment support and commitment to ongoing process development.Don Nicolson, Managing Director, Semi Scenic, said: "Semi Scenic are absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity by Semefab and this contract is a testimony to our highly skilled workforce as well as our business model. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Scottish Enterprise for their invaluable support over the years. It is very encouraging to see this business being concluded between two Scottish companies. We look forward to building on our partnership with Semefab and sharing in their bright future."Ian McNaught, MEMS Business Manager for Semefab (Scotland) said: "The dry etch capability is a key component of our MEMS strategy and I am very pleased to be working with a capable and responsive Scottish organisation.Semi Scenic competed against worldwide competition for this business and I am confident that Semefab (Scotland) shall receive world class service and support. As we develop future technologies I am looking forward to partnering with Semi Scenic in order to achieve maximum return from our dry etch investment. I believe their flexible approach to process development and support shall complement Semefab's own engineering and development teams. Semefab placed the order under a very tight timeline and I am encouraged that Semi Scenic delivered the first two tools ahead of schedule."Liz Connolly, senior operations director, Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire said: "Securing this contract demonstrates the confidence, drive and ambition of Semi Scenic and I am delighted to share their success. This is a superb example of a small technology company realising its potential and adding great value to Scotland's economy through a strategic partnership with Semefab. Enabling technologies such as micro and nanotechnology is one of Scottish Enterprise's priority industries and its development is key to the future growth of our economy."The project will ensure Scotland has a key role to play within the DTI's UK Micro and Nanotechnology Network, which aims to capitalise on the growth opportunities within the global nanotechnology market which is expected to exceed $100 billion over the next ten years.
×
Search the news archive

To close this popup you can press escape or click the close icon.
Logo
×
Logo
×
Register - Step 1

You may choose to subscribe to the Silicon Semiconductor Magazine, the Silicon Semiconductor Newsletter, or both. You may also request additional information if required, before submitting your application.


Please subscribe me to:

 

You chose the industry type of "Other"

Please enter the industry that you work in:
Please enter the industry that you work in: