Chip Demand Prompts Atmel Growth

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND — Fueled by a growing demand for silicon chips, U.S. giant Atmel is planning to hire more workers at its East Kilbride facility.

The company currently has 100 workers at the facility, and plans to hire 60 more to make smart card chips that are becoming increasingly popular, according to the Glasgow Herald. The cards, which used in mobile phones and some credit cards, are replacing magnetic strips because of their superior data security and processing capabilities.

Atmel purchased Motorola’s smart card division in 1999 and recently completed a $7.2 million ($5 million pounds) expansion of its Maxwell building, which includes a 3,800 square foot cleanroom, at the Scottish Enterprise technology.

Atmel is based in San Jose, CA and employs 9000 people worldwide.

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