A Brief Introduction to SOITEC...

Benoît CHAMPEY : We are a global leader in the manufacturing of substrates for microelectronics. We operate at the beginning of the value chain for electronic component fabrication. We transform raw materials (silicon and other substrates) to enhance their energy efficiency and performance. Our clients include the world's largest microelectronic component manufacturers, and our production facilities are located in Bernin (4 factories), Singapore, and Belgium.

What are the Characteristics and Objectives of Project B4?

BC : This project involves a cleanroom spanning a total area of approximately 2,500 m². The first phase, delivered in April 2023 by VÊPRES, covers 1,500 m². Particulate classes can reach up to ISO 3. This cleanroom was primarily designed for silicon carbide (SiC) manufacturing, which enhances the power transfer efficiency of electric vehicles and thereby reduces energy consumption.

What were the main constraints and challenges of this project?

BC : The deadlines! The building's foundation stone was laid at the end of March 2022, and VÊPRES delivered the cleanroom on time to enable production to start by the end of 2023. This is an extremely tight schedule! It generated other constraints: the structural work was barely completed when they began, and they had to constantly adapt to the schedule, the environment, and coordinate with other trades. They demonstrated incredible agility!

What are your reasons for recommending VÊPRES?

BC : Primarily for their professionalism, their in-depth knowledge of the cleanroom industry, and their ability to deliver quality projects. We conducted a competitive tender before awarding this contract, but we knew that by entrusting it to VÊPRES, deadlines would be met, and crucially, we wouldn't need to revisit it... even if the teams had to demonstrate significant dedication to achieve this!

What's next for this project?…

BC : We are naturally continuing our collaboration with VÊPRES for the second phase of the project! Work on the additional 1,000 m² begins mid-September: we continue to place our full trust in them!

Any concluding remarks on this endeavor?

BC : I would like to extend a big thank you to the VÊPRES management and site teams, as well as to the FAURE QEI project management and the SOITEC teams (notably Anaïs Bouvier, Virginie Laganne, Sébastien Simon, and Dominique Lamarca) for their commitment to this major project. Without everyone's professionalism, this challenge could never have been met!