At CHIPS Act One-Year Anniversary, Michigan Builds on its Semiconductor Leadership

LANSING Mich. – The bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act was signed into law by President Joe Biden one year ago today, making unprecedented investments in domestic manufacturing, specifically in the semiconductor and clean energy sectors. As a global epicenter of advanced manufacturing and home to one-fifth of chip-hungry American automotive production, Michigan is poised to win investments to support the growth of the domestic semiconductor technology and create good-paying, high-quality jobs for Michiganders.

“Michigan’s legendary manufacturing heritage and bold investments in workforce and economic development have us in a strong position to build the future of cars, chips, and clean energy,” said Governor Whitmer. “One year after the CHIPS and Science Act, we are continuing to demonstrate our leadership with more battery plants, semiconductor facilities, and innovative workforce programs. Our know-how and deep industry roots put us in a strong position to be a global leader in so many emerging industries, backed by the powerful incentives in the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act. Together, we will continue getting things done to help anyone ‘make it’ in Michigan.”

“Michigan talent is leading the future of cars, chips, and batteries,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Through our initiatives to grow semiconductor manufacturing and bring supply chains home to Michigan, we are proudly investing in people and communities across our state, lowering barriers to economic opportunity, and creating high-skilled, good-paying jobs. Governor Whitmer and I will continue working with anyone to cement Michigan’s semiconductor leadership and build a Michigan where everyone can envision a bright future for themselves.”

Michigan Semiconductor Wins

• Mersen recently announced that it will increase its semiconductor material production in Michigan inthe latest example of the semiconductor industry’s continued growth in the state. The news builds on the May announcement of a new public-private partnership with semiconductor company KLA, Belgium-based technology innovation hub imec, the University of Michigan, Washtenaw Community College and General Motors that will establish a global semiconductor center of excellence in Michigan.
• The Semiconductor Talent and Automotive Research (STAR) initiative will focus on developing the talent base and infrastructure necessary to accelerate advanced semiconductor applications for electrification and autonomous mobility and move the automotive industry forward. The plan establishes a center of excellence in Michigan to formalize support for the development of the semiconductor industry workforce as well as the advancement of autonomous automotive solutions and electric vehicle research.
• In March, California-based indie Semiconductor announced that it is investing $12.5 million and creating up to 180 high-wage jobs in Auburn Hills, where it plans to expand its office to include a best-in-class semiconductor design and testing facility. Michigan’s demonstrated leadership in advanced manufacturing within the semiconductor field is also evident in companies such as Hemlock Semiconductor Operations LLC, the largest producer of polysilicon in the U.S. Hemlock was chosen as the site of Governor Whitmer’s CHIPS Act executive directive signing thanks to its key role in Michigan’s growing semiconductor industry.
• In September 2022, Hemlock announced plans to invest $375 million and create 170 jobs at its facilities in Thomas Township, further ensuring Hemlock’s long-term commitment to continue to produce the essential polysilicon for the semiconductor and solar industries in Michigan.
• In an effort to make Michigan a top state for semiconductor talent solutions and growth, Governor Whitmer and MEDC in late 2022 launched the new Semiconductor Talent Action Team. The Talent Action Team will work across the public sector, industry partners, and training institutions to identify a clear set of semiconductor-specific curricula and R&D investments, placing Michigan in a strong position to attract long-term, sustainable investments from semiconductor companies around the world.

What’s Next

• Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature allocated $350 million to launch the Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund as part of the Make it in Michigan budget. This will allow Michigan to capture more federal resources to power domestic manufacturing, infrastructure to improve quality of life, and install new clean energy resources to lower costs for Michiganders, grow the economy, and bring more projects home.

With a rich history in manufacturing and innovation, Michigan is poised to be a guiding hand as the world’s need for semiconductor technology continues to evolve in the 21st Century.