In a pivotal move for the semiconductor industry, India’s Archean Chemical Industries, headquartered in Chennai, has announced a substantial £12 million investment in Clas-SiC Wafer Fab Ltd, a silicon carbide (SiC) power device specialist based in Lochgelly, Fife, Scotland. This partnership aims to enhance Archean’s foothold in the burgeoning SiC power device market.
Clas-SiC Wafer Fab Ltd, established in 2017, stands as the UK’s sole commercial wafer fabrication facility dedicated exclusively to silicon carbide. The company excels in rapid prototyping, facilitating swift market entry for innovative designs through short-cycle times and low-rate production. Archean’s investment will secure a position for Ranjit Pendurthi on Clas-SiC’s board, reflecting a deeper collaboration between the two entities.
Jen Walls, CEO of Clas-SiC, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration: “This investment fortifies our next-generation technology development and manufacturing capabilities. We already export power semiconductors globally, working with customers in North America, Europe, and Asia. With Archean’s backing, our position in the global compound semiconductor market is further strengthened.”
UK Science Minister Lord Vallance lauded the investment, emphasizing its importance in nurturing the UK’s compound semiconductor sector and supporting pioneering firms like Clas-SiC. This strategic alliance also points to Archean Chemical Industries’ long-term vision, potentially paving the way for India’s first dedicated silicon carbide power device manufacturing facility.
Since its inception, Clas-SiC has experienced impressive growth, expanding its team from 24 to around 75 employees and doubling its turnover in the past two years. The company’s focus on rapid prototyping and niche production capabilities has established it as a key player in the international semiconductor landscape.
To sum up, Archean’s £12 million investment in Clas-SiC Wafer Fab Ltd not only advances its ambitions in the silicon carbide power device sector but also underscores the critical role of international partnerships in propelling industry innovation and growth.
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