A group of North East firms working in advanced material electronics have joined together in a bid to promote and grow the industry in the region.
The North East Advanced Material Electronics cluster group (NEAME) is made up of businesses developing new forms of semiconductor technologies - the materials used in a whole host of electronic devices - which go beyond conventional, high-volume compound alternatives. Among the companies involved is PragmatIC which is building a £68m factory in County Durham; Filtronic, which makes high-frequency electronic modules for telecoms, aerospace and defence customers; and Evince which is using diamond technology to develop new microelectronics.
Well publicised supply chain challenges have caused shortages of semiconductors in recent years, impacting a broad range of manufacturers. The sector is said to be projected to contribute £447m gross value added by 2026 and could support up to 4,500 jobs.
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NEAME aims to act as a single voice to raise the profile of the North East's capabilities when it comes to developing semiconductor technologies that overcome limitations of existing silicon-based versions. The full list of firms making up NEAME includes: Axenic, Evince, Filtronic, Inex, Isocom, Kromek, PragmatIC, Viper RF and II VI.
Richard Gibbs, Filtronic chief executive officer said: “NEAME is an opportunity to showcase this region’s strength within advanced material electronics. What has always struck me about this area is the level of innovation that is happening every day on our doorstep.”
Ken Williamson, PragmatIC chief operating officer said: “The North East of England is a powerhouse for innovation and quality in advanced material electronics. At Pragmatic we have demonstrated our commitment with our investment in PragmatIC Park, we believe this represents the future of UK Semi Conductor manufacturing.”
NEAME was launched as part of NMI (National Microelectronics Institute) national conference, which was held at Ramside Hall. Jillian Hughes, NMI director, who hosted the launch, said: “NMI are delighted to be continuing our support of the UK semiconductor industry by hosting the announcement of the NEAME during our Annual conference. During the last 25 years we have supported the semiconductor design, manufacturing and supplier communities adding value through collaboration, networking and knowledge sharing.”
Paul Howell, MP for Sedgefield who officially launched the group said: “The North East continues to pioneer and develop new technologies that can have a huge impact on a global scale. The formation of NEAME highlights the strength of the region’s growing advanced material electronics sector and presents an opportunity to develop the skills and the jobs of the future, establishing the North East as a global hub for this technology.”
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