The World's Largest Silicon Carbide Fabrication Facility Will Support Growing Electric Vehicle, 4G and 5G Mobile, and Industrial Markets
New Facility is a Significant Step in Bolstering the U.S. Supply Chain for Advanced Manufacturing and Semiconductors
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the grand opening of the Wolfspeed 200mm silicon carbide fabrication facility at the Marcy Nanocenter, located on the State University of New York Polytechnic Institute campus in Marcy in Oneida County. Wolfspeed, the global leader in silicon carbide technology and production, has committed to creating over 600 new jobs at the new facility within the first eight years of operation. In addition, the company will provide internships and research positions for students attending the State University of New York, helping to advance a manufacturing-oriented workforce development initiative across the State University of New York system. Wolfspeed is actively working with education and business partners across the region to establish a robust pipeline for the next generation of high-quality, high-tech jobs in the Mohawk Valley, including those in advanced manufacturing.
"By cutting the ribbon on this new chip fabrication facility, we are making good on the promise of being the most business-friendly and worker-friendly state in the nation, while cementing New York as the national hub for semiconductor production," Governor Hochul said. "Employers in cutting-edge industries like Wolfspeed will power the future of New York by bringing good paying jobs and educational opportunities to communities like this one, right here in Marcy. My administration is pulling out all the stops to position emerging industries for success in our state, and I thank Wolfspeed for this public-private partnership."
Chief Executive Officer of Wolfspeed Gregg Lowe said, "Our strategic expansion to the Mohawk Valley is the next chapter in Wolfspeed's exciting story. The need for silicon carbide is tremendous as we look toward a technological future primed for energy efficiency and sustainability. We are very fortunate to have landed in the Mohawk Valley Region - a place that is rich in talent, drive, and promise for the future."
The opening of Wolfspeed's Mohawk Valley fabrication facility comes at a crucial time when there is a global shortage of semiconductors or "chips", which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Wolfspeed has committed to establishing a silicon carbide corridor on the east coast of the United States, anchored by the Mohawk Valley fab and its headquarters and materials operations in North Carolina.
The Mohawk Valley fab will dramatically increase capacity for Wolfspeed's business and support the semiconductor industry transition from silicon to silicon carbide. Silicon carbide will be essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy and energy storage, and the advancement of industrial applications. The project is a prime example of how New York can help semiconductor companies of all sizes, and in particular manufacturers, by serving as a major hub and headquarters of the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC). While construction was underway in Marcy, Wolfspeed was able to partner with NY CREATES to run its wafer processes and qualify tools at the Albany Nanotech Complex before moving the tools and equipment into the recently completed facility, which reduces the time from fab completion to chip production. Governor Hochul has been a strong advocate for placing the NSTC at the Albany Nanotech Complex, the most advanced, publicly-owned 300mm semiconductor research and development facility in North America and one of the most cutting-edge sites in the world.