Chip production for the new green energy age

Nov 27 2008 by Chris Knox, The Journal

ASEMICONDUCTOR company hopes to create around 200 jobs with the launch of its new products which will bring back large-scale computer chip manufacture to the North East.

County Durham-based Evince Technology has been developing its new technology since setting up in 2004 and expects to be a multi-million- pound turnover business once it goes to market, which it hopes will be in two years’ time.

The company says its semiconductor technology has the potential to improve the performance of wind turbines and fuel cells by enabling the direct connection of power electronic systems to the main electricity grid.

Directors at the company, which is based at Sedgefield’s NETPark, say they are targeting a £9bn global industry and believe they have the potential to grow their four-strong team to at least 200 once the product takes off.

They have already held talks with a number of international companies, including energy providers and train operators and expect to showcase a working prototype by next year.

Chief executive Dr Gareth Taylor said: “There is a number of ways that our technology can be applied and a number of companies are interested, despite us only being in the research and development stage.

“We are confident that we can hit our targets and believe there is still a place for a semiconductor industry in the North East, despite the bad news.

“There are some who believe that as a manufacturer of high technology you have to model yourselves on large multi-nationals. However, that is not the case.

“We want to create a sustainable business which provides a specific product to meet specific needs.”

The firm’s vision has been well received by investors, including NorthStar, which invested £175,000 from its Co-Investment Fund earlier this year, which was then matched by the Low Carbon Seed Fund – a fund established by the Shell Foundation – and the Carbon Trust.

Evince plans to use the cash to further develop the semiconductors with a view to raising further investment.

Ian Williams, One North East director of business and industry, said: “The days of significant new semiconductor foundry investment within the region appear to be behind us.

“But the North East is still a fertile environment for smaller, niche firms, such as Evince Technology, concentrating on higher value, innovative products and applications.

“This knowledge-led approach to business development ties in closely with the goals of the Regional Economic Strategy, with locations such as NETPark in County Durham and the future development of Newcastle Science City nurturing such niche firms.”