The origins of the company can be traced back to 1957 when it was a pioneer in the growth of single crystal gallium arsenide. Recognising the potential importance of III-V compound semiconductors, the company focussed its efforts on establishing manufacturing technologies for such materials and thereafter lead the way in being the first to offer production sources of gallium arsenide in various forms. Today sees Wafer Technology benefit from a rich history of materials development which has positioned the company as an industry leading authority on a diverse range of compound semiconductor types.

Wafer Technology is a wholly owned subsidiary of IQE plc, the world's leading MOCVD and MBE epitaxial wafer foundry. Group membership provides customers with the credence and confidence that is required to support the purchase and qualification of III-V materials and substrates. Close relationships with all Group member companies supports Wafer Technology's thorough understanding of the latest material and device market trends which in turn are utilised by the company to develop new product types.

Wafer Technology is housed in a 50,000 sq.ft. building in Milton Keynes, about 50 miles north west of London, UK. Crystal growth facilities include high and low pressure Czochralski pullers, horizontal synthesis furnaces (for polycrystalline material production) and Vertical Gradient Freeze furnaces. Wafering equipment includes an extensive installation of Meyer & Berger saws, precision edge rounders and laser marking equipment. Single side and simultaneous double side polishing is performed in class 10,000, class 1,000 or better cleanroom areas with final inspection and polished wafer packaging in a class 100 area.

The first III-V wafer vendor to gain approval to the international quality standard, ISO9001, early in 1994, Wafer Technology is committed to the quality of its products and its service to customers.