Swansea University has appointed Kier to build a new state-of-the-art semiconductor facility at its Bay Campus
Kier has been awarded the contract to build the Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials (CISM) at the Bay Campus.
Work has already started on the three-storey building, which will be 4320 sqm and will house an industry-leading clean fabrication environment, research laboratories and office facilities.
The building will have a reinforced concrete frame, with composite cladding and a hot melt bitumen roof.
Kier will use sustainable, energy-efficient building techniques and renewable energy technology including solar PV and heat recovery on the project.
Throughout the project, Kier will work with its local supply chain, of which circa 20% will be from the surrounding Swansea area, to deliver this building.
The semiconductor facility has received funding from the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund (UKRPIF), which is administered by Research England in partnership with HEFCW.
CISM will provide vital research and innovation support for the CSConnected Cluster, a growing network of regional semiconductor industry partners including IQE, SPTS Technologies and Newport Wafer Fab.
The semiconductor facility will be uniquely placed to deliver economic and social benefits to the south Wales region.
‘Putting Wales on the map’
Professor Paul Meredith, Ser Cymru National Research chair and Swansea University CISM project lead, said: “I am delighted that Kier Construction will be delivering CISM which will play a key part in putting Wales on the map as a major player in the rapidly growing UK semiconductor industry.
“When completed, the CISM building will be a hub for connecting research, innovation and manufacturing to drive economic growth in this region.”
Jason Taylor, operations director for Kier Regional Building Western & Wales, commented: “The Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials is set to be a vital building in aiding the growth of the semiconductor industry in the UK.
“We are delighted to have been appointed by Swansea University to deliver these state-of-the-art facilities which will be at the heart of its engineering quarter.
“This latest award builds on our relationship with Swansea University, having delivered the Impact building last year as well as a number of other refurbishment projects over the last five years.
“We will continue to work with our local supply chain to deliver this important project for the university.”
Chris Meadows, director of CSconnected Ltd added: “Wales has built an envious position as a global powerhouse of advanced semiconductor capabilities that is driving next generation technologies.
“CISM is a welcome addition to the CSconnected family that will play a critical role within the cluster, complementing and greatly enhancing the technology offering from across our region.”
The semiconductor facility is due for completion in 2022.
