As the tech rush continues with no end in sight, the name “Silicon Valley” has skyrocketed in popularity.
Ironically, many of us tend to forget that a majority of Silicon Valley is centered here in Santa Clara, which has played a significant role in facilitating the technological boom. It continues to be home for many tech companies — not only Intel.
Most aren’t aware that a considerable amount of electronics in our hands today are made possible by Santa Clara companies.
Here are some of these low-key, “not-on-the-label” Santa Clara based companies that go unsung, but power many of our essential consumer devices.
Marvell
Marvell is a worldwide leader in providing silicon solutions for mobile communications to Internet of Things, cloud infrastructure and digital entertainment. It has served clients like Samsung, Hitachi, Seagate and Toshiba. Founded in Santa Clara in 1995 by Sehat Sutardja, his wife and his brother, it employs over 7,000 employees and sold $3.17 billion in 2013.
The company is a leading manufacturer in 4G LTE technologies.
Applied Materials
Founded in 1967, Applied Materials has become an international manufacturer in semiconductors, flat panel displays and solar products. It has over 14,000 employees in countries around the world, including Japan, Germany and Israel. They’ve chosen Santa Clara to call home.
The company has been recognized as an Intel Preferred Quality Supplier for its performance.
DataDirect Networks
In 2013, DataDirect Networks moved to Santa Clara. The goal was to position itself in Silicon Valley and recruit top talent. The company has doubled in size to 650+ employees since it moved here.
Founded in 1998, DDN provides storage for customers across several industries. Competitors include IBM and HP. Notable clients include FoxSports, Red Bull, and the U.S. Department of Defense.
GlobalFoundries
GlobalFoundries (GF) was founded in 2009. It houses about 13,000 employees. In 2013, its revenues were $4.26 billion. GF is a divesture, or spin off, of the manufacturing division of AMD. They manufacture circuits for semiconductor companies such as AMD, Qualcomm and other leaders in electronics.
GF just picked up the contract to produce Apple’s A9 processor chip, which will power Apple’s next-generation iPhones and iPads.
Most companies in Santa Clara aren’t the usual media-hyped, sexy tech startup run by millennials, but they still drive Silicon Valley forward. When you look at your electronic devices, consider what’s underneath the hood. It won’t be mentioned on the label, but recognize it’s possible that their parts were made right in your backyard.
