Experienced CEO to oversee Norstel SiC expansion
Norstel has appointed a new CEO and chairman, in a management shake-up designed to make the company a leader in the silicon carbide wafer supply industry.
Iain Jackson, a 25 year veteran of the semiconductor industry has been appointed CEO, as the Swedish substrate maker ramps up its SiC output.
“We are seeking to scale in two directions,” explained Jackson, “in product diversity at the same time as capacity, giving us the ability to become a high volume manufacturing facility.”
Norstel is hoping to broaden its 2 and 3-inch semi-insulating and nitrogen-doped 4H SiC wafers, made by its proprietary high temperature CVD growth method, to 4 inches by 2009.
The company s development of its offering will exploit the benefits of a long-term, multimillion-dollar SiC gem supply deal, says Jackson.
“I m convinced, and I think Norstel is convinced, that the SiC industry can offer end product features that are sufficiently differentiated to carve out a unique market space in both the high-frequency segments and the power segments, in addition to our gemstone customer,” Jackson said.
Jackson, who previously had worked for ASIC pioneer LSI in management positions ranging from fab operations to marketing, replaces Norstel s founder Asko Vehanen, who becomes a director of the company.
Hasse Johansson, group vice president for research and development at heavy transport vehicle maker Scania, becomes Norstel s new chairman.
Former chairman Jörgen Bladh retains his seat as a director in the amicable re-shuffle.
“As the Norstel facility develops from research and early stage manufacturing into full production appointing seasoned industry veterans will give Norstel the momentum it needs to accelerate its growth,” Bladh said.
“The ramp up of our silicon carbide manufacturing is proceeding well and these appointments position us perfectly for the next stage of Norstel's development.”
