IQE's North Carolina site gets Raytheon seal of approval

(Sharecast News) - Semiconductor wafer and materials specialist IQE announced on Monday that Raytheon has officially qualified its North Carolina site to produce epitaxial wafers intended for advanced infrared sensing and imaging applications. The AIM-traded firm said the development would solidify its position as a trusted technology partner for the defence giant, ensuring a secure supply of high-performance infrared photodetector epiwafers manufactured in the United States.

It said the collaboration aimed to enhance national security and strengthen domestic supply chains, aligning with the increasing emphasis on self-sufficiency in critical technologies.

"IQE is a market-leading global player in the supply of compound semiconductors to the aerospace and security industries," said chief executive officer Americo Lemos.

"Having received a Raytheon Premier Supplier Excellence Award, this qualification demonstrates the continued confidence that Raytheon has in IQE.

"We are proud to be a strategic partner, ensuring the volume production of sensor and imaging materials made in the US for a resilient supply chain."

At 1039 GMT, shares in IQE were flat at 20.9p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.