News Article
Dynex To Break Ground In Power Electronics
Dynex Semiconductor has inaugurated its new Research & Development Centre (RDC) which is part of an £11.25 million investment in pioneering technologies and new jobs.
The £1.8m, energy-efficient, centre marks a milestone for the UK Lincoln based company, and is part of a three-year programme which is creating up to 40 skilled engineering jobs and safeguarding its 315-strong city workforce.
The project was developed by Dynex in partnership with Zhuzhou CSR Times Electric (the majority shareholder of its parent Dynex Power Inc., Canada). It means the Lincoln business is in a strong position to take advantage of the power electronics revolution.
Built by Lincoln-based John Martin-Hoyes, in a move which has created work for about 20 local sub-contractors, the new centre is already making its mark by allowing Dynex to develop new technologies and new semiconductor products, which can be swiftly assembled in its neighbouring factory.
The latest news, has been warmly welcomed by the Trade & Investment Minister Lord Green and the City of Lincoln Council's economic development team.
Dynex's President and Chief Executive Officer Dr Paul Taylor commented, "Our major investment programme started in May 2010, when we announced the start of the R&D project to expand that team, by forming a joint operation with CSR."
Dr Taylor, a Make it in Great Britain Industry Champion, added, "At that time there were 12 R&D people at Lincoln. Since then we have expanded to employ 32. We are still recruiting, with the aim of having 50 engineers working in the new building."
The new centre also houses Dynex's main reception, senior executives' offices and a suite of conference rooms.
Dynex designs and makes high power bipolar semiconductors, insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) modules and electronic assemblies.
"The power semiconductor device is at the very heart of all modern power electronic systems. Whether wind, solar, tidal, wave, coal, gas or nuclear energy, we need safe, smart and reliable interconnection to the electric grid and safe, smart and reliable power transmission and power quality," said Dr Taylor.
"Whether for driving motors and power equipment for cars, locomotives, metros and manufacturing, for powering our communications, aircraft, keeping the lights on or for keeping us warm in winter and cool in the summer, the power device is the workhorse that enables the control of electric energy to drive these sectors and more."
Dynex's R&D team is busy on a range of projects designed to create the applications needed to meet the demands of tomorrow's key energy, transport and industrial sectors, serving a low carbon society.
The RDC has already produced trial samples for CSR Times Electric for its Chinese locomotive and metro applications. The same product is expected to later become a key component in power conversion applications for electric grid use.
"There is no doubt that we are in the midst of a power electronics revolution and that Dynex and CSR Times Electric are well-placed to deliver the advanced innovative power products fuelling this revolution and to deliver the future developments in advanced semiconductor components that will be required," said Dr Taylor.
Dynex's R&D teams work closely with a number of universities such as Nottingham, Loughborough and Warwick, on advanced research topics and knowledge transfer projects.
"We are now building relationships with the new Engineering School at the University of Lincoln and we have benefited for many years from educational links with Lincoln College," added Dr Taylor.
