Tech Partnership

Technology Manufacturing

Harvey Frye
Harvey Frye,
President Tokyo Electron
We see the lessening number of technology manufacturing companies in our region as a result of geo-shifts in manufacturing in general and US semiconductor companies more often utilizing fabless operations. However as an example the outlook for the semiconductor industry remains bright. Electronic systems make up 2% of global GDP and the semi market is a $300 billion market poised for modest growth in 2011, and related capital equipment spending in 2011 is expected increase to over $50 billion. The biggest growth driver currently is in the mobility sector and in particular tablet and smart phone adoption rates with supporting server sales.

While actual manufacturing jobs continue to be a challenge, the economic factors listed above as well as companies finally spending the money to upgrade systems they have delayed during the recession, will continue to grow Austin's IC design cluster. This new SIG is being designed to accelerate growth by facilitating changes in the sector ecosystem.

The Technology Manufacturing Special Industry Group (SIG) is defined as a group of five to seven very senior executives in this space whose goal is to enhance the regional ecosystem for the formation and growth of technology manufacturing companies.

The following draft outcomes will be targeted for the SIG for the six month period commencing in June 2011. The activities and deliverables include the following:

  • Develop, maintain and provide quarterly executive outreach to a comprehensive list of company executives engaged in this sector within the five county region with the goal of developing a strong network of executive influence
  • Provide leadership on regional economic development initiatives which will drive the infrastructure for this sector
  • Identify new capital opportunities for companies in this region and provide outreach on behalf of the region's industry base
  • Assist with the development of a business attraction team to utilize for new company recruitment efforts
  • Drive exposure for regional companies on a national/international level through media placement and website tools (utilizing Chamber's new marketing team and website capabilities)
  • Define skill sets needed to recruit and train the talent needed to grow this sector and provide feedback to regional universities/workforce boards regarding the same
  • Provide guidance to the Chamber's federal policy task force in relation to federal advocacy and outreach.

Technology Manufacturing SIG Member Company Roster

  • Advanced Micro Devices
  • Applied Materials
  • BAE Systems
  • Black Sand Technologies
  • Calxeda
  • Dell
  • ETS-Lindgren
  • Flextronics
  • Freescale
  • Samsung Austin Semiconductor
  • Spansion
  • SVTC
  • Tokyo Electron - Chair
  • University of Texas at Austin

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