In today’s high-speed, microelectronics-driven world, innovation is the currency of progress. Standing tall in this dynamic industry is SPTS Technologies Ltd, a UK-based global leader specialising in advanced wafer processing equipment for the semiconductor market. With deep-rooted expertise in plasma etch, deposition, and wafer-level packaging technologies, SPTS Technologies Ltd has carved out an unrivalled position in sectors such as MEMS, RF devices, advanced packaging, photonics, and power semiconductors.
Company Snapshot
Website: https://www.kla.com/
Phone: +44 (0)1633 414000
Headquarters: Ringland Way, Newport, Wales, United Kingdom
Founded: 2009 (rebranded as SPTS Technologies Ltd in 2011)
Specialties: Plasma etch, PVD, PECVD, MVD®, DRIE, wafer-level packaging, MEMS, RF, photonics, 3DIC, power semiconductors
The Origins and Evolution of SPTS Technologies Ltd
A Pioneer with Welsh Roots
Founded in 2009 and rebranded as SPTS Technologies Ltd in 2011, the company quickly became known for its advanced equipment used in wafer processing. It is headquartered in Newport, Wales—a city that has grown into a significant hub for high-tech manufacturing in the UK.
Newport’s industrial past has been reinvigorated by high-value, knowledge-based industries, and SPTS stands as a shining example of this transformation. Over the years, it has contributed over £1.25 billion in exports, positioning itself as one of the leading technology exporters in the region.
Integration into KLA Corporation
In a significant development, SPTS Technologies Ltd was acquired by KLA Corporation, a global leader in process control and yield management systems for the semiconductor industry. As of May 2025, the legal entity was rebranded as KLA Corporation UK Limited, though the SPTS division continues to operate under its original name and identity in product branding and R&D.
This acquisition strengthened SPTS’s global reach, granting it access to a broader customer base and leveraging KLA’s unmatched infrastructure and innovation prowess.
What Makes SPTS Technologies Ltd Unique?
Unmatched Wafer-Level Expertise
SPTS specialises in developing front-end and back-end wafer processing equipment. Its technologies play a crucial role in manufacturing devices with ever-increasing complexity and shrinking geometries. Whether it’s for MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) used in automotive and smartphones or RF components essential for 5G, SPTS delivers solutions that meet the demands of next-gen semiconductor applications.
Core Technologies Include
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Deep Reactive Ion Etching (DRIE): Especially useful for high-aspect-ratio structures in MEMS fabrication
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Plasma Etch: Vital for accurate feature definition and process control
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PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition): Used for thin-film metallisation
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PECVD (Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition): Enables conformal dielectric coatings at lower temperatures
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MVD® (Molecular Vapour Deposition): Patented technology for superior barrier and passivation layers
These tools are integrated into flexible platforms like Delta™, Sigma®, and Mosaic™, allowing for process customisation and scalability.
Industry Applications and Global Footprint
Serving High-Growth Market Segments
SPTS Technologies Ltd targets some of the fastest-growing and most technically demanding markets in the electronics sector. These include:
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MEMS and Sensors: Critical for industrial automation, consumer electronics, and automotive safety systems
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Advanced Packaging and 3D Integration: Supporting fan-out wafer-level packaging (FOWLP) and Through-Silicon Via (TSV) architectures
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Power Semiconductors: Serving markets like electric vehicles and energy-efficient power systems
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Photonics: Enabling next-generation optical communication systems
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RF Devices: Optimised for 5G mobile networks, radar, and wireless charging
A Truly Global Company
While its heart remains in Newport, SPTS operates globally. It has regional offices and service centres in:
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United States: Allentown, PA; San Jose, CA
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Germany
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France
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South Korea
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China
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Japan
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Taiwan
This global presence ensures quick support and proximity to customer fabs, reducing downtime and enhancing collaboration.
Research, Development, and Sustainability
Continuous Innovation
SPTS invests heavily in R&D, with dedicated cleanrooms and laboratories based in Newport. Collaborations with leading universities and participation in EU-funded IPCEI projects help SPTS stay at the forefront of process innovation. Its engineers are frequently involved in co-developing bespoke solutions tailored to emerging customer needs.
Commitment to Green Manufacturing
In addition to product innovation, SPTS maintains a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. Its tools are designed for low-power, low-chemical usage and meet rigorous environmental compliance standards. From closed-loop systems for chemical recycling to energy-efficient plasma chambers, the company’s focus on eco-conscious engineering is evident.
Workplace Culture and Corporate Values
An Employer of Choice in Wales
With a workforce of more than 400 people in Newport alone, SPTS Technologies Ltd is one of Wales’ top high-tech employers. It maintains a supportive, innovation-led workplace culture with a strong emphasis on:
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Continuous professional development
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STEM education partnerships
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Apprenticeships and graduate training programmes
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Diversity, equality, and inclusion
The company has won awards for both its innovation and contribution to local economic growth, including recognition from industry groups and government agencies.
Future Outlook and Market Trends
Riding the Semiconductor Supercycle
With the world rapidly moving towards AI, IoT, smart manufacturing, and autonomous vehicles, demand for sophisticated semiconductor devices is at an all-time high. Technologies such as chiplet integration, neuromorphic computing, and quantum sensing are on the rise—and SPTS is strategically positioned to serve all these emerging sectors.
Challenges and Opportunities
Like all semiconductor players, SPTS faces challenges such as:
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Supply chain fluctuations
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Regulatory compliance across global markets
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Geopolitical uncertainties
However, its alignment with https://www.kla.com/ offers a robust framework for navigating these challenges. By leveraging KLA’s expansive customer base and manufacturing synergies, SPTS is well equipped to scale innovation and support the semiconductor industry’s evolution.
Conclusion
SPTS Technologies Ltd is far more than just a semiconductor equipment supplier—it is a force driving innovation at the atomic scale. From its beginnings in Wales to its integration into the global powerhouse that is KLA Corporation, SPTS has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in microfabrication.
Its world-leading wafer processing platforms, commitment to R&D, and industry-specific expertise make it an invaluable partner for companies pushing the limits of electronic performance. As the world demands faster, smaller, and more efficient devices, SPTS Technologies Ltd stands ready to deliver the tools that make tomorrow possible.
