The semiconductor industry has found an unlikely ally in Wales, as Vishay Intertechnology strengthens its presence in the region. Recently, the Malvern, Pennsylvania-based firm made headlines by partnering with Wales Tech Week 2025 as a Gold Partner. This move not only highlights Vishay's dedication to boosting semiconductor production but also its commitment to fostering innovation in Wales, especially in the burgeoning field of compound semiconductors.

Transforming Wales into a Semiconductor Powerhouse

The highlight of Vishay’s recent activities is undoubtedly its acquisition of a factory in Newport in March 2024. Lauded as the UK’s largest semiconductor manufacturing facility, this acquisition marked Vishay’s foray into the compound semiconductor arena. Recognizing Wales' robust foundation in technology and innovation, Vishay's investment is expected to channel about £250 million into the Newport facility, focusing on silicon carbide semiconductors. Read more on this acquisition.

This investment is more than financial; it represents a significant injection into local employment. Directly, the move will secure over 500 high-skilled jobs in Wales, and indirectly, it will buoy numerous positions within the affiliated supply chain. Such developments are vital not only for economic growth but also for solidifying South Wales' reputation as a key player in the global semiconductor landscape.

The Role of Wales Tech Week 2025

Scheduled to occur from November 24th to 26th at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Newport, Wales Tech Week 2025 serves as an ideal stage for Vishay to highlight its contributions. The summit fosters dialogue around key themes such as Tech for People, Tech for the Planet, and Tech for Performance. As a Gold Sponsor, Vishay is uniquely positioned to showcase its innovations and contributions to these areas, focusing particularly on the impact of compound semiconductors.

Avril Lewis MBE, Managing Director of Technology Connected, emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership, saying, "Compound semiconductors play a vital role in the world around us and we’re delighted that a world-leading company such as Vishay Intertechnology has partnered with Wales Tech Week." With Vishay's active participation, the event underscores the critical advancements happening in semiconductor technologies, promoting greater awareness and collaboration.

Fuelling Collaborative Innovation

Beyond the economic and promotional impacts of this partnership, there's an underlying narrative of collaboration. Roy Shoshani of Vishay Intertechnology remarked on the region's innovative spirit and committed workforce. These attributes, paired with Wales’s history of technology leadership, create a fertile ground for synergy between academia, industry, and government entities.

The South Wales Compound Semiconductor Cluster, where Vishay’s facility is strategically positioned, plays a pivotal role in this collaboration. By engaging with this cluster, Vishay taps into a hub of knowledge and expertise that can accelerate advancements in semiconductor technologies.

Conclusion

Vishay Intertechnology’s partnership with Wales Tech Week 2025 is a testament to the company’s strategic vision and the promising potential of Welsh innovation in the semiconductor domain. By infusing capital into the Newport facility and actively contributing to industry dialogues, Vishay is sculpting a bright future for semiconductors in Wales and beyond. This partnership reflects a broader narrative of regional and global collaboration, setting a benchmark for other tech giants to engage meaningfully with local tech ecosystems.

To follow more on these developments and explore Vishay’s role within the tech landscape further, visit the official Wales Tech Week 2025 site.