KLA expands operations in Singapore with new semiconductor manufacturing facilities

KLA has completed the first phase of its latest facility which is part of a US$200 million expansion plan, as the equipment and services provider looks to make Singapore the regional manufacturing and engineering hub.

Singapore’s manufacturing industry remains one of the most advanced in the region. Despite the country’s ministry of trade and industry narrowing growth to just 1% in 2024, the manufacturing industry remains optimistic on picking up the pace once newer plants and hubs begin operations in the near future.

For instance, KLA has just completed the first phase of its newest manufacturing facility in Singapore. The leading equipment and services developer in the electronics industry has allocated US$ 200 million to grow its presence on the island nation. The first phase facility makes up 200,000 square feet and has been designed strategically to address the increase demand for process control solutions developed with the most stringent requirements for vibration control and cleanroom protocol.

Currently, KLA Singapore has four offices and manufacturing locations. It is one of KLA’s fastest-growing operations, supporting manufacturing and supply chain management, research anddevelopment, training, sales, and customer service activities globally.

The new facility will serve KLA’s growing presence in the country, which also serves a key manufacturing and engineering hub. It features a 46,000-square-foot Class 100 cleanroom and a 12,000-square-foot Class 10K cleanroom. KLA Singapore currently supports the manufacturing of more than 10 KLA products, which are supplied to customers all around the world.

Specifically, KLA develops industry-leading equipment and services that enable innovation throughout the electronics industry. Virtually no laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, VR device or smart car would be possible without the KLA’s equipment.

According to Theo Kneepkens, KLA Singapore country president and KLA senior vice president of Global Operations, the company has grown in step with the maturing of Singapore’s semiconductor manufacturing industry and talent base, having started operations in Singapore close to 30 years ago.

“We’ve steadily expanded our operations here over the years to serve both regional and global customers. This new facility is a testament to the strategic importance of Singapore and the remarkable growth of our business in the region, further strengthening our manufacturing and innovation capabilities,” said Kneepkens.

As the growth in the manufacturing industry makes its pace, Singapore remains focused on building its presence as a leading manufacturing hub globally. The goal is to expand the value-add of its manufacturing sector by 50% by 2030. Given the increasing global demand for semiconductors, Singapore continues investing in infrastructure to support the semiconductor ecosystem and supply chain.

Chang Chin Nam, EDB senior vice president and head of semiconductors commented that KLA's expansion in Singapore is testament to the competitiveness of the country's semiconductor ecosystem and will strengthen its position as a critical global node for semiconductor equipment to meet growing global demands.

“KLA is a valued partner in the growth of Singapore's semiconductor equipment industry. Its latest manufacturing facility will contribute to the development of new semiconductor capabilities in Singapore, and offer exciting roles and career pathways to Singaporeans,” said Chang.

Following the completion of phase 1, KLA will now focus on developing the next phase which is projected to be completed by 2026. The second phase will add more critical space, bringing the total facility capacity to 420,000 square feet. This will enable KLA to further expand cleanroom space as well as its local research and development facilities. In addition to expanding its production capabilities, when finished the new site is also expected to add an estimated 400 new employees to KLA’s local workforce.

For Singapore, the expansion not only boosts manufacturing capabilities in the region but also help the country develop and nurture local highly skilled technical talent in line with the government’s plans to establish Singapore as an innovation and manufacturing hub. As of 2023, 15,000 training sessions have been conducted, including training programs to hone the niche skills needed for the industry.