Yesterday, GlobalWafers and the US government officially signed an agreement where the U.S. government will provide GlobalWafer with $406 million in financing. This funding will assist GlobalWafers in commencing the manufacturing of 300mm wafers in the U.S. and expanding the production of 300mm wafers with silicone on insulator to enhance domestic microelectronics production. Localizing wafer production is a crucial step towards achieving this goal.
Investment Plans
GlobalWafers intends to invest $4 billion in its facilities located in Missouri and Texas. In Texas, the company will establish the first 300 mm silicon wafer factory in the country, producing significant volumes of silicon wafers for advanced process technologies used in cutting-edge processors and memories. Additionally, a portion of this plant will be repurposed to produce 150 mm and 200 mm diameter silicon carbide (SiC) wafers, essential for high voltage applications like electric vehicles and clean energy systems. This modern facility will position Texas as a key hub for wafer production for advanced microelectronics and high-voltage applications.
In Missouri, GlobalWafers will focus on producing 300 mm diameter silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers. SOI wafers are commonly utilized in the aerospace, defense, and low-power chip industries. It is important to note that currently, no U.S. chipmaker processes SOI wafers in large quantities.
Supply Chain Diversification
The majority of silicon wafers used in chipmaking are presently manufactured in Asia, posing a supply risk for manufacturing facilities in Europe and the United States. The investments made by U.S.-based GlobalWafers, supported by the government, aim to diversify production and streamline logistics for U.S. logic and memory manufacturers as they expand their production within the U.S.
This initiative is expected to generate around 2,580 jobs in both states, with 1,700 jobs in construction and 880 in manufacturing, significantly boosting the local economy.
“The semiconductor wafers that will be produced in the U.S. due to the investment in GlobalWafers are the foundation of advanced chips that will drive innovation and competitiveness globally,” stated U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Through this investment, CHIPS for America is dedicated to strengthening our supply chains, safeguarding our national and economic security, and creating over 2,000 jobs in Texas and Missouri.”
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of GlobalWafers’ investment in the U.S.?
A: GlobalWafers’ investment aims to boost domestic microelectronics production, localize wafer production, diversify supply chains, and create job opportunities in the U.S.
Q: How will the investments made by GlobalWafers impact the local economy?
A: The investments are expected to create approximately 2,580 jobs in both Missouri and Texas, stimulating economic growth in the respective states.
Credit: herosweb.com
