JEMI France joins SEMI group
At the general assembly of JEMI France, the members approved the modification of its statutes to integrate the current organization within SEMI. The new French association, called "SEMI Europe – Grenoble Office" will fully integrate within the SEMI global structure. The merger builds on the strengths of the two associations to further promote the industry in the southern part of Europe. With access to the European and global semiconductor industry, locating the new combined organization in France allows for stronger ties with its major micro-electronics cluster in Grenoble.
Heinz Kundert, president of SEMI Europe, said "What we are doing at the association level mirrors the current industry re-organization and the need to focus on efficiency and core value that we can provide to our members and customers. The need for European clusters to work closely together is critical in the face of global competition. We are happy to see the Grenoble region welcome this opportunity."
Geneviève Fioraso, deputy mayor of Grenoble and President of SEM MINATEC Entreprises, is excited to see both organizations integrate: "We welcome this synergy between JEMI France and SEMI Europe. Europe must strongly advocate for the microelectronic sector because it is highly strategic, and drives innovation in the industry and service markets. This is what the US and Asia are doing. Grenoble, as the main microelectronic cluster in France, from R&D to industry with Minalogic, Minatec, Nano2012 and all organizations that represent this industry (15,000 direct jobs and three times more if we include induced jobs), with the skills and expertise available, has all due legitimacy to host the new organization."
Alain Astier, Group VP at STMicroelectronics and a member of the SEMI European Advisory Board confirmed that "The outstanding support from the city of Grenoble and the Public Authorities, the proactive cooperation of JEMI France and SEMI, and the choice of Grenoble where the semiconductor industry is highly clustered, have been instrumental for the success of this initiative that will contribute to the continuous global success of the European semiconductor industry."
André-Jacques Auberton-Hervé, CEO of Soitec, and a member of the SEMI International Board of Directors, said "JEMI France has already collaborated successfully with SEMI Europe for two decades, so we are thrilled that we are now combining our activities. With similar interest in our respective memberships, the core competences within JEMI France and SEMI will be extended, bringing even more value to members."
Gaël Schmidt, president of JEMI France added, "As you could see at today's general assembly, our board's proposal to integrate JEMI France with SEMI was well received by our members. They recognised the benefits of the international reach of the global SEMI organization."
