At the recent Engineering Design Show, our CEO Karen Salmon sat down for a candid face-to-face interview to discuss Force Technologies’ evolution, our commitment to sustainable design, and the future of UK manufacturing.
With over 40 years in the industry, Karen shared how Force has grown from being Europe’s first Atmel distributor to becoming a trusted last-chance manufacturer of obsolete and legacy semiconductors. Our mission has always been simple: to keep long-life systems working by making the components no one else will.
“We’re not just sourcing parts, we’re storing at die level, building sustainable inventory, and helping customers design for longevity without unnecessary cost or risk.”
A Focus on Sustainable Legacy
One highlight from the interview was Karen’s overview of our new Titan Building an investment in long-term die and package storage, built for traceability, environmental control, and cost-effective legacy support. By storing at die level rather than finished goods, we enable customers to secure long-term component availability while avoiding the inflated costs of last-time buys.
It’s a forward-thinking approach to a backward-looking challenge and it’s helping design and procurement teams navigate uncertainty with confidence.
A Call for UK Manufacturing Leadership
Karen also spoke openly about Force Technologies’ ambition to help bring semiconductor assembly back to the UK, specifically for defence and aerospace customers. With the right backing, she believes we can build a compliant, UK-based assembly capability that reduces tariff risks, secures IP, and leverages the wealth of expertise already here on British soil.
“We have the knowledge, the people, and the demand. We just need the support to turn that into something tangible and sustainable for UK industry.”
Investing in the Next Generation
Another standout moment from the interview? Karen’s recognition of Charlotte, a new Force Technologies team member who’s already making her mark on the industry. Representing the next generation of women in engineering, Charlotte embodies the energy, capability, and commitment needed to carry this industry forward.
Want to See for Yourself?
Whether you missed us at EDS or want to explore how we can support your legacy challenges, we’d love to hear from you. We’re always available by phone, email, or in person and yes, you’re more than welcome to visit our facilities.