Newport-based KLA is helping shape the future of global technology from South Wales. With support from the Welsh Government’s Innovation team, the company has invested locally in world-class research infrastructure, expanding its R&D capability and strengthening partnerships with local universities. Investments like these further support Wales’s growing reputation in the global semiconductor industry.
KLA manufactures specialty equipment used to build semiconductors - essential components found in everything from electric vehicles and smartphones to data centres and medical equipment. Globally, KLA reported annual revenues of $9.8 billion in June 2024. Its UK operation, formerly known as SPTS Technologies, has more than doubled in size since 2019, now employing more than 500 people at its expanded site in Newport.
Initial interactions with the Welsh Government began through collaborative R&D support, with the Innovation team helping to establish an early partnership between the company and Swansea University. This led to a Welsh Government-backed Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), which laid the foundations for deeper collaboration and long-term investment in innovation.
Jacob Mitchell, previously a Knowledge Transfer Partner and now a full-time Senior Process Engineer at KLA, said: “Collaborating with the Welsh Government and Swansea University has enabled us to explore new applications for our technology, support future skills and grow our R&D capability in South Wales.”
The three-year KTP, launched in 2019 and valued at £240,000, was jointly funded by the business and the Welsh Government-backed scheme. It supported research into additional applications of its technology, including targeting applications in energy storage and next-generation battery technologies.
Additionally, the Welsh Government supported an initiative delivered in partnership with the company and Swansea University to help bring early-stage products closer to market. These collaborations tested novel materials, enhanced knowledge exchange and strengthened the region’s semiconductor research capability.
Welsh Government innovation support has helped the company to:
- Explore new applications for its manufacturing technologies.
- Build on academic partnerships to explore cutting-edge materials and processes.
- Create a stronger foundation for collaborative research in Wales.
Following targeted support from Welsh Government, the business also co-invested £15 million in Swansea University’s new Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials (CISM), contributing to a £30 million flagship facility that opened in 2023. The purpose-built semiconductor research centre provides clean room space, specialist equipment and a pipeline for future talent.
Mr Mitchell added: “These projects gave us confidence in the research potential in Wales. It’s not just about business growth - it’s about working with local universities to create a hub for innovation, skills and opportunity.”
The positive impact of this collaboration is already being seen:
- Its UK workforce has more than doubled, from 250 in 2019 to over 500 employees.
- A new facility has opened at Celtic Lakes, Newport, to support continued expansion.
- Partnerships with Swansea and Cardiff Universities continue to support training, R&D projects and PhD placements.
These investments highlight the Welsh Government’s Innovation Strategy, contributing to the missions of education, economy, and climate and nature. By investing in research, infrastructure and people, it is helping drive economic growth and job creation in South Wales while advancing technologies that support low-carbon energy, sustainable transport and digital innovation.
Its continued focus on advanced materials and manufacturing ensures Wales plays a key role in a global industry, delivering long-term benefits for communities, universities and businesses across the region.
Find out more about how the Welsh Government’s Innovation team can support your organisation. Visit Business Wales Innovation to learn more.