Michigan Semiconductor Industry Expands
Posted By: DBUSINESS on November 27, 2023. For more information, please click here to read the source article.
Silbond Corp., a maker of chemicals for the fabrication of semiconductors, announced it is expanding its operations in Fairfield Township in Lenawee County. Silbond is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Germany-based specialty chemicals company Evonik.
The expansion will allow the company to manufacture new products, including high-purity abrasives and market them to manufacturers of liquid abrasive slurries which are in the production of microchips.
The project is expected to generate a total capital spending of $7.9 million in 2023 and 2024, and create three jobs. It further build on the state’s work to position itself as a global leader in the semiconductor supply chain.
“The new plant makes an important contribution to the strategic development of our portfolio,” says Peter Friesenhahn, head of Evonik’s Silanes business line. “We are strengthening our offering for attractive, technology-driven growth markets and positioning ourselves as an innovation partner for our customers.”
Silbond produces chemicals that are used in the semiconductor industry as well as other chemicals that act as binders and are used in corrosion-resistant coatings, aerogel insulation and investment castings. Silbond currently employs 36 Michigan residents at its Fairfield facility.
In addition, the expansion of Silbond’s plant in Weston is supported by a $900,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over competing sites in other states due to experience in producing high purity chemicals, the talented workforce, and proximity to the company’s existing and potential customers.
The project will bring immediate, high-wage jobs within a large and expanding manufacturing company and is expected to be a catalyst for the semiconductor industry’s continued growth in the state. Lenawee Now has offered support in the form of staff, financial, and economic support.
The project builds on existing assets and companies such as Mersen USA, KLA, Hemlock Semiconductor, Calumet Electronics, SK Siltron, and more.
Michigan is leading key initiatives to develop the talent needed to support semiconductor growth in the Midwest including the Semiconductor Michigan Talent Action Team, aimed at making Michigan a top state for semiconductor talent solutions and growth.
In October, MEDC leaders announced the largest investment in state history to expand semiconductor education and training programs in partnership with Michigan State University in East Lansing and Lansing Community College.
As the global epicenter of the automotive industry and home to one-fifth of U.S. auto production, Michigan officials state they are equipped to support the increasing global demand for semiconductor technology.
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