ISG extends Belgian advanced semiconductor facility

ISG will convert part of the existing facility of imec, a world-leading research and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, into an ultra-cleanroom environment. To support the burgeoning demand from global technology companies for imec’s leading-edge semiconductor research and development expertise. 

The scheme builds on ISG’s global reputation for successfully delivering technically complex and highly specified environments across the R&D, healthcare and technology sectors, leveraging ISG’s specialist in-house experience and world-class supply chain partnerships. 

The project is set to become an exemplar of modern methods of construction (MMC) delivery principles, with extensive use of digitisation and platform design for manufacture and assembly (P-DfMA) methodologies. Utilising pioneering digital collaboration tool Construction Cloud, formerly BIM360, ISG has successfully navigated the complex challenge of effective collaboration with an international supply chain during an unprecedented period of restricted personnel movement due to the global pandemic.  

Scheduled to commence in Q1 2022, the existing four-story, 8,000 m2 shell will be transformed into a fully operational semiconductor R&D facility, with a cleanroom manufacturing area of 2000 m2. It is adjacent to imec’s live operations, with significant contingency planning to ensure continuity of operations across the site. To ensure rigorous quality and consistency standards, and to minimise the number of individual construction operations and operatives on site, ISG and its supply chain partners have taken an offsite manufactured component first approach to the project, with significant elements being pre-fabricated under strictly controlled conditions.   

Bart Korink, COO for ISG’s Engineering Services business said: “We are passionate about the work we do across the globe to support transformational innovation and technological advancement. These activities require best-in-class facilities delivered by a highly motivated and focused team of experts drawn from a range of disciplines that work collaboratively with a common goal. 

“Working alongside many of the world’s most innovative companies is a real catalyst for us to look at our own operations and challenge what we do to become more dynamic, agile and responsive, and consistently helps us to push the boundaries of what’s possible and embrace change. Taking our supply chain along with us on this journey has created a formidable partnership recognised for its innovation, expertise and deep sector knowledge.”

In addition to being one of the world’s leading datacentre solutions providers, ISG has recently secured the contract to build the UK’s first gigafactory as part of a £2.6bn investment by Britishvolt in the North East of England. ISG’s extensive life sciences and healthcare portfolio includes the delivery of Europe’s largest pathology laboratory and a world-class neurology research and treatment centre for University College London (UCL).