Guest ContributorA new 75,000-square-foot equipment and materials production facility in Chandler is burnishing Arizona’s reputation as a hub for the fast-growing semiconductor industry.
EMD Electronics, the electronics business of Merck KGaA in the U.S. and Canada, marked the grand opening of its new facility earlier this month with Gov. Katie Hobbs, Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke, and other business community representatives on hand to celebrate.
The new factory doubles the Darmstadt, Germany-based company’s manufacturing capacity of specialty chemicals and gasses under its GASGUARD and CHEMGUARD lines, important inputs in semiconductor production for companies like Intel and TSMC, which are making multi-billion-dollar investments in the state.
“The grand opening of EMD Electronics is yet another example of Arizona’s new era as a hub for innovation and technology,” Hobbs said. “I’m happy to welcome another great company that will further grow our state’s semiconductor ecosystem. Historic semiconductor investments are rippling across our state, supporting the establishment and growth of new businesses, like EMD here today.”
In addition to manufacturing space, the new facility also has a 6,000-square-foot clean room and 2,000-square-foot training center.
“EMD Electronics’ new facility bolsters Arizona’s reputation as an epicenter for advanced semiconductor operations,” Arizona Commerce Authority President and CEO Sandra Watson said. “EMD is a valued addition to Chandler’s rapidly growing semiconductor ecosystem, expanding the state’s semiconductor supply chain while contributing to the continued growth of Arizona’s semiconductor industry.”
EMD first announced its plans to build a new factory in Chandler in January 2022 and began operations at the site in June and now already employs more than 100 talented professionals there. The company has been steadily growing its presence in Arizona since the company acquired Versum Materials in Tempe in 2019. The Tempe space is still being utilized.
EMD Electronics’ portfolio covers a broad range of products and solutions, including high-tech materials and solutions for the semiconductor industry as well as liquid crystals and OLED materials for displays and effect pigments for coatings and cosmetics. The company has approximately 2,000 employees around the country.
Photo: City of Chandler
Joseph Kavetsky
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