A compound semiconductor cluster is fuelling growth and jobs in south Wales.
According to CSconnected’s latest annual report, the hub now supports £436 million of gross value added (GVA) and 3,140 jobs across Wales.
The independent study, produced by Cardiff University’s Welsh Economy Research Unit, shows the cluster supports 1,914 direct jobs and a further 1,226 through its wider economic footprint.
Professor Max Munday, of Cardiff University, the report’s lead author, said: "The compound semiconductor cluster continues to show resilience and sustained growth.
"While other parts of manufacturing have faced considerable challenges, this sector has expanded employment, increased productivity and strengthened its wider economic contribution.
"The modelling shows both direct growth and a deepening of economic effects across Wales."
Total employment rose by 14 per cent from 2,748 in 2024, while GVA is up 19 per cent on last year.
Exports remain central to the sector’s success, with companies recording £480 million in overseas sales and annual sales of £531 million.
Since 2020, the cluster’s employment impact has grown 51 per cent, while GVA has increased by 153 per cent.
Professor Wyn Meredith, chairman of CSconnected, said: "Five years on from the launch of the Strength in Places investment, the results are clear.
"Employment has grown, productivity has increased and the cluster’s economic impact has nearly doubled.
"We’ve built a stronger and more connected cluster, with real economic impact across Wales."
The cluster aims to reach £1 billion in revenue and 6,000 skilled jobs by 2030.
Howard Rupprecht, managing director of CSconnected, said: "The progress we’ve seen over the past five years gives us a strong foundation for the next phase.
"Our focus now is on scaling capacity, strengthening regional supply chains and developing the skills needed to support long-term growth."
