"I would say that every company and CEO, no matter what industry they are in has the responsibility to the country and the population to assure we do everything we can to protect the environment. This is my responsibility, and I take it very seriously."
Mark Melliar-Smith
CEO, International SEMATECH
Executive Summary
Executive Summary:
The president and CEO of International SEMATECH hosted an online chat with Cyberways and Waterways participants on December 17, 2001. International SEMATECH is a consortium of semiconductor manufacturers dedicated to building the powerful technology that powers everything from computers to cell phones to automobile engines.
International SEMATECH
- International SEMATECH develops technology for computer chips that are more powerful and less expensive, a trend that has, among other things, brought us cell phones that fit in the hand and CD players for under $100.
- The companies that are SEMATECH members represent about 50% of the world's semiconductor production. They are located all over the world, in the United States, Europe and Asia.
- International SEMATECH was formed when the United States was concerned that our manufacturing technology was worse than that of the Japanese, and that ultimately the U.S. economy would suffer as a result. SEMATECH stands for Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology. Today, membership includes companies from all over the world.
- SEMATECH does not make money. Member companies contribute to a common budget, and in return the organization delivers research and development services.
Careers in Technology
- International SEMATECH offers internships to students to work in departments
including engineering, communications, information technology (IT). For more
information, go to www.SEMATECH.org
- Your local chamber of commerce will have information on high tech companies
in your area. Check their Web site to learn more about them and don't hesitate
to call their human resources departments for more information. Your school
guidance counselor can also help.
- Typically most companies require at least a two=year community college degree
to work in our factories. I would recommend any student who would like to
work in this industry to take advantage of all the math and science courses
your schools offer. If you choose to fo for a four-year engineering degree
then a good high school background in math and science is very important.
All of our engineers need to be able to express their ideas clearly. Your
courses in English and social studies are just as important as math and science.
You should also know how to use a computer which is crucial to our industry.
- An educational focus in chemistry offers many opportunities. I came out
of a university with a degree in chemistry, and I can fairly say that I've
been able to do almost anything I've wanted to do with that as a background.
The key is to use your education to learn to think logically and clearly.
- The CEO of a technology company must have an insatiable interest in technology and how technology can improve people's lives. He or she must be willing to work hard, communicate with other people and listen to their points of view, and maintain their integrity. Whatever you do, do what's right. I think it is that sort of integrity that requires us, as an industry and myself as CEO to pay a great deal of attention to the environment.
The Environment
- International SEMATECH has a very active program to continually reduce the
amount of water it uses. We typically use four gallons per square centimeter.
Member companies share best practices in the area of the environment and have
seen significant improvements over the years in the amount of water being
used.
- The biggest challenge facing the health of the Gulf Coast is making the
public aware of the importance of our coastal habitats. Education is a key
issue as the population along the coast increases, increasing the pressures
on surface fresh water for both people and wildlife.
- Every factory that makes silicon chips is careful to return the water it uses at a quality level that meets all federal and local standards. Our wastewater is purer than the water we receive from the water companies, and we are often able to recycle the water from our factories.
- Companies that choose to locate in dry parts of the country like Arizona, have to be meticulous in both how they get the water they need and how carefully they use it. So in addition to water, they think about power usage and factory emissions.
- Engineers in our industry know more about the chemicals they use than anybody. We also live and work very close to the factories, so it makes sense for us to care about the environment around us.
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