Contractor named for Swansea University research hub

Kier has been appointed by Swansea University to deliver its Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials (CISM), a £30M building that will be a research and innovation hub to support the growth of the semiconductor industry in the UK.

Situated on Swansea University’s Bay Campus in its engineering quarter, the three-storey building will have a footprint covering 4,320m2 and comprise of 850m2 ISO Qualified clean rooms, laboratory research facilities and 20 offices.

With a focus on delivering a sustainable and energy efficient building, Kier will utilise renewable energy technology on the project, including the use of solar PV and heat recovery.

Jason Taylor, Operations Director for Kier Regional Building Western & Wales, said: “The Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials is set to be a vital building in aiding the growth of the semiconductor industry in the UK. We are delighted to have been appointed by Swansea University to deliver these state-of-the-art facilities which will be at the heart of its engineering quarter.

“This latest award builds on our relationship with Swansea University, having delivered the Impact building last year as well as a number of other refurbishment projects over the last five years. We will continue to work with our local supply chain to deliver this important project for the university.”

Professor Paul Meredith, Ser Cymru National Research Chair and Swansea University CISM Project Lead said: “I am delighted that Kier Construction will be delivering CISM which will play a key part in putting Wales on the map as a major player in the rapidly growing UK semiconductor industry.  When completed, the CISM building will be a hub for connecting research, innovation and manufacturing to drive economic growth in this region.”