Semi Scenic Embarks on Major Expansion as Semiconductor Market Remains Buoyant

Semi Scenic, one of Scotland’s few remaining serious players in the global semiconductor equipment market, is nearly doubling its storage capacity as it continues to benefit from the effects of “a phenomenal year” in the industry.

Because of continuing strong demand for Semi Scenic’s highly regarded sector skills and engineering expertise, it has outgrown its existing 12,000 sq ft plant in the Scottish Enterprise Technology Park in East Kilbride.

As a result, it has seized the chance to take out a lease on a 10,000 sq ft facility which has become available next door at the Prism Building on Rankine Avenue. Initially, it will be used for storage and equipment preparation.

Don Nicolson, Scottish industry veteran and chief executive of Semi Scenic, said that it was necessary to find room to expand as the firm was “bursting at the seams” with work as a result of a prolonged supercycle in the notoriously cyclical semiconductor market.

He said the global market is stubbornly buoyant and that “there is no sign yet of a collapse”, meaning that orders are continuing to flow in to the East Kilbride firm. The new base will relieve pressure on space and allow Semi Scenic to maintain order flow.

Mr Nicolson said that orders in the equipment market more than doubled in 2010, buoyed by worldwide semiconductor sales which were up by over 30% on the year.

He said the new space would justify his decision to take on apprentices for the first time in four years and that, although it would not lead to an increase in the workforce in the short term, the headcount has already been increased for 13 to 26 in the last 12 months and further job opportunities in the future are now far more likely.

Matt Bellshaw, of letting agents Colliers International, who facilitated the lease on behalf of building owner Neilstra, said: “This new facility is an excellent space which meets all the requirements of a high-tech company such as Semi Scenic.

“It will give them the breathing room they need while they concentrate on future growth.”

Source: Scottish Property

For further information please contact Semi Scenic:

Tel  +44 (0)1355 222166

Fax  +44 (0)1355 222794

E-mail info@semiscenic.net

January 2011