‘A real kick in the teeth’: Newport reacts to semiconductor decision

‘A real kick in the teeth’: Newport reacts to semiconductor decision

a year ago
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https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/nov/24/newport-reacts-to-microchip-decision-nexperia

UK government blocked new Chinese ownership on security grounds, but Nexperia bosses ‘planned to build two new plants’

The clean room in Newport, south Wales, is the size of a football field, but in the industry they call it a ballroom. Workers in full bodysuits move silicon wafers from one end to another in a series of careful steps. The 20cm slices of silicon are rigorously cleaned in chemical baths before light is used to draw precise patterns that are then etched out. It all takes place in an orange gloom to prevent light-sensitive chemicals from reacting.