Scotland to Open Packaging Facility

Paula M. Powell

Scotland continues to cement its role as a key European hub for optics with word that an optoelectronics packaging facility will open this summer in Livingston.

According to Chris Gracie, chief executive of the Livingston-based Scottish Optoelectronics Association, the $6.75 million center will help start-up and spin-out companies optimize the development and packaging of devices, in addition to supporting research and development of next-generation packaging techniques. Environmental test, reliability and qualification services also will be available.

Management of the facility will fall to Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian, which has Southeast Network responsibility for Scotland's Microelectronics, Optoelectronics and Communications Technology cluster.

Funding comes from both Scottish Enterprise and the European Regional Development Fund.