In today’s intricate digital landscape, semiconductors are the silent architects propelling the future of everything. Laurent Filipozzi is STMicroelectronics Malta’s General Manager (GM), and explains how ST Malta is strategically positioned as a world-class semiconductor assembly and testing plant, the largest of its kind in Europe, and a significant part of ST’s overall chip manufacturing.

With an integrated approach to the semiconductor value chain, the company’s chief focuses are design, manufacturing, sales, and support. STMicroelectronics plays a key role in accelerating society's transition to systems powered by heightened efficiency and lower power consumption. Every day, millions of ST’s intricately designed and manufactured chips embark on a global journey, finding their way into embedded systems, from smart phones to medical equipment, to integral components in leading automotive brands, driving the charge for electrification. They power the vision of a world leader in computer vision for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), seamlessly integrating into the fabric of smartphones and consumer electronics, shaping the daily experiences of millions across the globe.

Industry 4.0 and Automation

This integrated device manufacturer model ensures stringent quality control and solidifies STMicroelectronics' standing as a leader in the semiconductor landscape. Laurent emphasises ST’s seamless and ambitious integration of Industry 4.0, which enables manufacturers to automate processes and improve their efficiency, propelling them into a new era. ST Malta leverages a collaborative control room, a technological marvel that offers real-time insights as well as proactive measures such as temperature and humidity control. With over 1,000 machines, controlling and optimising operations that demand cutting-edge solutions, this control room is the brain of the factory. Analysing big data from sensors on the factory floor ensures real-time visibility and enables predictive maintenance to minimise downtime. High-tech IoT devices enhance productivity and quality, replacing manual inspections with AI-powered visual insights, reducing errors, saving time, and cutting costs. Quality control personnel can monitor processes remotely through a cloud-connected smartphone while machine learning algorithms enable immediate error detection, preventing costly repairs at later stages.

Collaboration and Sustainability

Since 1995, ST has been transparent about its environmental performance, publishing yearly externally certified Environmental Statements shared with local stakeholders. Committed to sustainable practices, the company is aiming to achieve carbon neutrality and source 100 per cent renewable energy by 2027. As Laurent explains, the organisation has reduced its carbon emissions by an impressive 65 per cent in 2022 compared to 2016, aligning with its strategic progress toward carbon neutrality. He also mentions the company’s efforts in water conservation, launching a significant project in 2022 to overhaul its water treatment system and improve water recycling rates from 45 to 70 per cent. 2022 also saw ST Malta achieving ISO 50001 standard certification, while maintaining a continuous improvement approach, monitoring, and studying all aspects of its operations for further cost-efficient opportunities.

Workforce Evolution

Laurent is justifiably proud of the fact that ST Malta is a diversity champion, with a workforce of 58 different nationalities, contributing to the rich and inclusive working environment. The company actively supports equity and inclusion through initiatives like the "STEM your way" program, launched in 2003, with ST experts delivering over 450 STEM sessions annually worldwide in 2022, particularly prioritising young girls. Further community engagement includes regular student and teacher visits, testimonials in schools, innovation contests, and close collaborations with universities.

With workforces everywhere undergoing a metamorphosis, Laurent expands on STMicroelectronics' commitment to upskilling employees, fostering a seamless integration of artificial intelligence, and orchestrating a harmonious collaboration between humans and machines. The company's vision extends beyond mere chip production to nurturing a workforce that is not just adaptive but anticipatory in the face of technological evolution.

ST Malta collaborates with MCAST’s Institute of Engineering and Transport (IET) to offer a Diploma in Semiconductor Manufacturing, a specialized qualification in semiconductor manufacturing—the first of its kind in Malta. Additionally, ST recently formalized agreements with the Malta Chamber of Engineers and the University of Malta. The collaboration with the Chamber of Engineers aims to promote engineering development in Malta, leveraging ST's position as the largest private employer on the island. Meanwhile, the partnership with the University of Malta involves sharing practical knowledge within the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy, contributing to the new MSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management set to launch in February 2024.

Shaping the future

As the company charts its course toward Industry 5.0 - where people work alongside robots and smart machines - Laurent outlines his vision for a future where automation collaborates with human capabilities, enhancing efficiency and innovation. With a focus on upskilling the workforce and strategic collaborations with educational institutions, ST Malta aims to be a leading advanced manufacturing plant for ST in Europe, setting standards for Industry 5.0 deployment while creating an enhanced working environment and minimizing its environmental impact. The company's vision reflects a harmonious collaboration between automation and human ingenuity, shaping the future of advanced manufacturing.