Distributed Manufacturing
Making fabrication deployable
In 1776, the steam engine made power deployable. Factories followed. We apply the same principle to advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
In 1776, the steam engine made power deployable. Factories followed. We apply the same principle to advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
When capability becomes deployable, industrial growth can occur wherever determined people choose to build.
Instead of concentrating capability into a small number of mega-facilities, the objective is to make manufacturing deployable. When capability becomes deployable, industrial growth can occur wherever determined people choose to build.
Our distributed factory network is a framework for deploying semiconductor manufacturing capability through a franchise model. Rather than concentrating production into a small number of multi-billion-pound megafabs, the model creates a network of locally owned and operated fabrication facilities.
Each facility is connected through a common technology, training, support, and continuous improvement system. Local operators provide leadership, facilities, and market engagement. SFN provides technology, training, support, and ongoing development.
The model is designed as a long-term partnership — creating alignment between all participants, and allowing the network to improve collectively over time.
The model is illustrated as a train. Each element has a distinct role. Together they form a repeatable deployment model.
Local operating company or Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)
Manufacturing capability & technical know-how
Training, software, supply chain, process updates & support
A local entity — typically a Special Purpose Vehicle or existing business — is established to own and operate the franchised fab. The local operator provides leadership, facilities, and market engagement.
Our same-day fabrication process, device and architecture design kit, and supporting software are deployed to the facility. The operator gains access to the full technology platform — without needing to develop it independently.
SFN provides comprehensive training for fab operators and technical staff. The training programme covers the same-day fabrication process, equipment operation, quality standards, and the process design kit.
The franchised fab begins production. Local operators build customer relationships and market presence while fabricating on the same proven process as our development facility in Burton-on-Trent.
Experience gained in one fab is shared across the entire network. Improvements in manufacturing methods, software, workflows, and operational practices are distributed to all participating sites — allowing the network to improve collectively over time.
Modern semiconductor manufacturing is highly concentrated. A small number of facilities in a small number of locations supply a significant portion of the world's advanced chips. That concentration creates fragility — in supply chains, in geopolitics, and in access to manufacturing capability for organisations that cannot compete for foundry time.
Each fab creates skilled manufacturing roles locally — in engineering, operations, process development, and quality.
A franchised fab attracts supporting suppliers, services, and capital to the region in which it operates.
Distributed manufacturing reduces dependence on single facilities or supply chains — critical for sovereign and defence applications.
Local fabrication eliminates the queuing and transport delays of centralised foundries — supporting faster iteration from design to device.
Every fab in the network contributes to and benefits from shared improvements — the network learns faster than any single facility could alone.
Organisations requiring sovereign, on-shore, or geopolitically secure fabrication can operate their own distributed factory network facility.
Once tracks, stations, signalling systems, and operating procedures existed, trains naturally followed. Industrial growth followed. Economic transformation followed.
Distributed factory network is intended to be that enabling infrastructure for distributed advanced manufacturing. Not one factory — many factories. Not one region — many regions. Not concentrated capability — distributed capability.
Each fab becomes a productive node within a larger industrial system. Each node learns. Each node contributes. Each node strengthens the network.
"The steam engine made power deployable. Today, deployable manufacturing capability could help create the next phase of industrial growth. Factories followed then. Factories may follow again."
Leadership and operational management. Facility and premises. Market engagement and customer relationships. Local knowledge, networks, and regulatory compliance.
The same-day manufacturing fabrication process and technology platform. Process design kit and design tools. Operator training and certification. Ongoing process improvements and software updates. Network-wide learning and support.
An operational advanced manufacturing facility. Local economic impact and skilled employment. A node in a growing global network. Manufacturing capability that improves continuously through the Self-Learning Loop.
The best way to evaluate a Wafertrain® franchise is to stand inside an operating one. Visit FAB 107, watch same-day fabrication and the Centian Loop® in operation, and discuss what a franchise deployment would look like for your organisation.