KLA Opens £110 Million R&D and Manufacturing Facility in Newport, Strengthening Wales’ Position in Global Semiconductor Innovation

Manufacturing Wales • 22 May 2025

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Global semiconductor leader KLA Corporation has officially opened a new $138 million (£110 million) research, development, and manufacturing centre in Newport, South Wales, marking a major milestone for the region’s growing role in the global semiconductor supply chain.

The new 237,000-square-foot facility expands KLA’s presence in Wales through its local product division, SPTS Technologies, which has been pioneering semiconductor equipment innovation in the country since 1984. SPTS has previously received multiple Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in both R&D and export, and continues to attract world-class technical talent to the region.

Three people in front of machinery; woman in blue dress, man in gray, and man in safety vest.

Building on a Legacy of Innovation

A Commitment to Wales and its Workforce

“With this expansion, we’re investing not only in cutting-edge technology but also in the people and communities of Wales,” said Dan Collins, Site Leader and General Manager at KLA. “Our Newport operation combines decades of experience with new opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and growth.”



The facility is designed to support up to 750 employees, reinforcing Wales’ reputation as a hub for engineering excellence and semiconductor manufacturing leadership.

National Recognition for a Growing Industry

Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, welcomed the investment, highlighting its significance for the UK’s compound semiconductor cluster:


"We have a globally renowned compound semiconductor cluster here in Wales, and KLA’s investment further strengthens our position as a leader in this vital and growing industry. The UK Government recently announced nearly £5 million to help build the talent pipeline, ensuring we continue to develop the skills needed to drive future growth"

A Catalyst for Wales’ Technological Future

The new KLA Newport facility represents one of the largest private sector investments in Wales in recent years, reinforcing the nation’s position as a centre for high-value manufacturing, research, and innovation.



To learn more about KLA’s work in Wales and its global operations, visit www.kla.com.

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