Chinese owners of UK factory move crucial chip production out of Britain

Core Points - A UK semiconductor factory owned by China, Dynex Semiconductor, has ceased production of high-voltage microchips as China tightens control over the global electronics supply chain [1] - The Chinese owner, CRRC, is expanding domestic production facilities for the same components, raising concerns about the hollowing out of the UK's electronics industry [1][5] - The semiconductor technology sector is a focal point in the tech war between the West and China, with both sides imposing trade restrictions [3] Company Overview - Dynex Semiconductor, established in 1957, is a leading UK producer of semiconductor devices known as IGBTs, which are essential for controlling high-power loads in electric trains and vehicles [3] - The company was acquired by CRRC, a state-owned Chinese rail corporation, in 2008, which has since been blacklisted by the US government due to alleged military ties [4] - CRRC's investment in Dynex was part of a strategy to secure high-voltage chip supplies for China's high-speed rail and grid projects [4] Production Changes - Dynex has officially stopped IGBT production in Lincoln, issuing a nine-month notice to customers in October of the previous year, indicating that production was halted in the summer [5] - While Dynex will continue to package IGBT chips, the focus of production will shift to other areas, as CRRC has become a major producer of IGBTs in China, recently opening a third production line [6]