Hemlock Semiconductor Breaks Ground on Next‑Generation Finishing Facility

Advanced manufacturing technologies will enable HSC to strengthen semiconductor supply chain

Hemlock, Mich. — Hemlock Semiconductor Operations (HSC), the nation’s leading manufacturer of hyper-pure polysilicon used in the semiconductor and solar industries, today celebrated breaking ground on an expansion project that will modernize the manufacturing process HSC uses to refine its semiconductor-grade polysilicon.

The next-generation technologies HSC will deploy through the project will increase the purity of the company’s semiconductor-grade polysilicon and improve supply to meet rising global demand. This project is the first phase of planned expansion projects recently announced by HSC. The planned projects will take place in phases over the next three years and are estimated to create 170 good-paying jobs. The project also is expected to create more than 200 construction jobs over the lifespan of the project.

HSC’s leadership team and employees were joined by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, State Sen. Ken Horn and numerous other state and local dignitaries for the ceremonial groundbreaking at the company’s manufacturing facility.

“Michigan is becoming a global hub of semiconductor chip manufacturing and we will continue bringing these critical supply chains home so we can create jobs, bring billions in investment to our communities, and lead the future,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “Hemlock Semiconductor, a Michigan-made company whose hyper-pure polysilicon is found in nearly all electronic devices in the world, is betting on Michigan once again, expanding their presence in Thomas Township with a planned investment of up to $375 million creating 170 jobs. Powered by bipartisan economic development and state-supported improvements of critical public infrastructure, Hemlock’s planned investment will foster economic opportunity for Michiganders for generations to come.”

The investment announced today by HSC would not be possible without major improvements in critical public infrastructure located in Thomas Township, home of HSC’s manufacturing facility, and neighboring Saginaw Township. The Michigan Legislature recently approved $37 million in state funds to assist the two townships in building out the local wastewater capacity needed to enable HSC’s expansion.

“Our investment simply would not be possible without the strong support of federal, state and local government leaders,” said HSC chairman and CEO AB Ghosh. “We couldn’t ask for more effective advocates who clearly understand the critical role our cutting-edge technologies will play in building out a robust domestic supply chain for semiconductors and in strengthening HSC’s competitive position on a global scale.”

President Biden recently signed the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which authorizes a $52 billion federal investment over the next five years in boosting domestic semiconductor manufacturing. The new law provides a 25 percent tax credit for new or expanded facilities that make semiconductors or related equipment. These investments in next-generation manufacturing techniques are expected to provide support along the entire semiconductor supply chain – from research and development to critical inputs like HSC’s hyper-pure polysilicon.

“Michigan knows all too well what happens when we are dependent on semiconductor chips made halfway around the world. That’s why I led the effort with Senator Peters and Representative Kildee to support domestic manufacturing of semiconductor chips in the CHIPS and Science Act. This important investment will boost Michigan manufacturing, fix our broken supply chains, lower costs, and bring thousands of jobs home,” said Senator Stabenow. “Today’s investment from Hemlock Semiconductor will continue their global leadership in the semiconductor supply chain while creating hundreds of jobs.”

“With new laws like the CHIPS and Science Act, we’re bringing critical manufacturing back to Michigan, creating good-paying jobs and strengthening America’s economic competitiveness,” said Congressman Kildee. “Hemlock Semiconductor’s new investment to expand its operations in Saginaw County is a tremendous win for mid-Michigan, and an example of the kind of investments I passed the CHIPS and Science Act to secure. In Congress, I will continue working to strengthen American manufacturing so we can make more things here in Michigan, not overseas.”

“Polysilicon is the semiconductor in semiconductor chips. The advanced technologies HSC will deploy through this project will drive the production of ever-smaller semiconductors, which will enable innovations in machine learning, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, self-driving vehicles, even biotech breakthroughs,” said Phil Dembowski, HSC senior vice president and chief commercial officer.

Photos from today’s event are available for download here.

About Hemlock Semiconductor

Hemlock Semiconductor Operations (HSC) is a leading provider of hyper-pure polycrystalline silicon and other silicon-based products used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices, solar cells and modules. At HSC, we’re passionate about silicon-based technology and its unique potential to connect and energize the world we share. HSC’s polysilicon enables customers to produce high-tech electronics and solar energy, and our efficient manufacturing process delivers products with an ultra-low-carbon footprint. HSC began operations in 1961 and is owned by Corning Incorporated and Shin-Etsu Handotai.

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