Limerick got a jobs boost today with the announcement that a US supplier of energy efficient silicon solutions is to establish an R&D centre in Raheen Business Park, with the support of IDA Ireland.
ON Semiconductor’s new R&D centre in Limerick aims to become a centre of expertise in digital power management and thermal management for next-generation processors, creating 49 high-calibre jobs for semiconductor designers and engineers.
It will develop controller and driver integrated circuits for next-generation processors in servers, gaming consoles, desktop and laptop computers. Some 28 employees are already in place.
Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, ON Semiconductor designs, manufactures and markets power and data management semiconductors and standard semiconductor components worldwide. Its existing Limerick operation won the R&D centre project against strong competition from other ON Semiconductor sites worldwide.
“This investment is a step-up in product complexity and value for ON Semiconductor and is expected to represent a higher level of technical innovation,” said Minister for Enteprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Coughlan TD (pictured), at the official opening.
“The choice of Limerick for this investment is a major endorsement of Ireland’s ability to successfully implement such technologically advanced R&D projects and to meet the company’s recruitment needs.
“This investment is a further important development for the growing cluster of integrated circuit design companies in the mid-west region.”
Bill Schromm, ON Semiconductor senior vice-president and general manager of computing products, said the investment will enable the company to develop its global market share and to successfully compete in the increasingly challenging industry in which it operates.
“We are confident our choice of the Limerick group for this investment is the right decision because of the success of that operation to date and our experience of Ireland’s can-do, flexible, pro-business environment.”
By Sorcha Corcoran
Pictured: Minister for Enteprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Coughlan TD
