STMicroelectronics – Tours
- Company name: STMicroelectronics – Tours
- Number of staff : 48,000
- Number of production sites : 13
STMicroelectronics employs more than 8,400 people in research and development. Established in 1973, the Tours site employs around 1,200 people and produces nearly one million silicon wafers a year, which are essential for the manufacture of electronic components.
The co-development process carried out with Medicom has enabled us to come up with a solution tailored to the requirements of our cleanrooms and the needs of our operators, whilst prioritising French manufacturing.
Isabelle Hugues
Facilities – Service Provider Coordinator
The requirement: to enhance security and improve protection in the cleanroom
At its site in Tours, which comprises 13,500 m² of cleanrooms, STMicroelectronics sought to improve respiratory protection for its operators by addressing four key challenges:
- securing supply chains through dual sourcing and French manufacturing;
- providing a non-off-gassing mask suitable for controlled environments;
- reducing the risks and costs associated with contamination;
- improving comfort during prolonged wear and minimising musculoskeletal disorders associated with putting on the mask.
The solution fully meets users’ expectations, particularly in terms of ease of fitting, maintenance, breathability and comfort.
The solution: a mask co-developed with users
Medicom embarked on a co-development project lasting approximately six months with the teams at STMicroelectronics.
Following an on-site inspection of the storage and assembly areas, a mask with crosswise elastic straps – manufactured in France in a controlled-atmosphere environment – served as the basis for the development. Initial user trials identified several necessary improvements: reducing the mask’s dimensions, strengthening the elastic attachments and reducing the pressure exerted on the nose.
Several prototypes were then produced and tested. The final product features, in particular:
- a reduced length from 230 to 210 mm;
- an ‘Omega’ fold creating a more comfortable breathing chamber;
- better pressure distribution across the nose;
- a round upper elastic strap that is less prone to retracting;
- reinforced seams to ensure the mask stays in place.
The results: a solution that has been validated and rolled out
The mask was tested under real-world conditions, from its storage in the linen room through to its installation in the changing areas and its use by operators. Following this phase, STMicroelectronics approved the solution and its roll-out at the Tours site. Medicom also supported the change in the changing-room protocol through information and training sessions presenting the new mask, its benefits and recommendations for use.
