Commerce Department Finalized Agreement with Hemlock for up to $325 Million in Funding from CHIPS and Science Act to Expand Production of Hyper-Pure Polysilicon Needed for Semiconductor Chips; Project Will Create Thousands of Good-Paying Manufacturing and Construction Jobs in Michigan
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Elissa Slotkin (MI) and U.S. Representative Kristin McDonald Rivet (MI-08) applauded the Commerce Department’s finalization of the agreement for up to $325 million in federal funding for Hemlock Semiconductor (HSC) to build a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility on its existing campus in Hemlock, Michigan. The new facility will allow the company to expand production of hyper-pure polysilicon needed to manufacture semiconductor chips, which are used to make a wide variety of products including vehicles, cell phones, washing machines, medical devices, agricultural equipment, solar panels, and defense technologies. The funding comes from the CHIPS and Science Act, legislation Peters and Slotkin helped pass into law to boost U.S. production of semiconductor chips, create American jobs, and strengthen U.S. national security by lessening our dependence on foreign companies for these critical technologies. ?This investment is expected to create 180 good-paying manufacturing jobs, as well as thousands of construction jobs, in Michigan.??
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Hemlock Semiconductor (HSC) is the nation’s leading producer of hyper-pure polysilicon for the semiconductor and solar industries and one of only five companies in the world capable of producing the highest quality polysilicon for semiconductor chips.
“Michigan workers are the best in the world. We know how to make things well and with precision, and this major federal investment reflects that expertise,” said Senator Peters. “I’m thrilled that this funding I fought to secure is officially on its way to Hemlock Semiconductor to help expand its production of hyper-pure polysilicon and strengthen our domestic supply chains for critical semiconductor technologies, while creating thousands of good-paying jobs for people in our state.”
“America’s self-reliance means bringing our critical supply chains back home from places like China. And semiconductor chips are absolutely critical to Michigan’s economic security and America’s national security. This award from the CHIPS Act will allow thousands of mid-Michigan workers to access the middle class, protect our auto industry, and strengthen our domestic supply chains,” said Senator Slotkin.
“This funding is a game changer for mid-Michigan. With it, we are making sure that Michigan will lead the world in manufacturing, and we are creating good-paying jobs for over one thousand hard-working families,” said Congresswoman McDonald Rivet. “Hemlock Semiconductor has reinforced their commitment to our community with an investment that will pay dividends for generations of Michigan workers. In Congress, I will continue fighting to protect American jobs and make sure that we manufacture more here in Michigan, not China.”
“We are pleased to announce the signing of a direct funding agreement with the Department of Commerce under the CHIPS Act. This agreement is a key milestone in enhancing our manufacturing capabilities as we continue to serve the leading-edge semiconductor market with high quality and sustainably made polysilicon,” said HSC Chairman and CEO AB Ghosh. “The new facility will play a crucial role in strengthening the semiconductor supply chain in the United States. The support from the Department of Commerce and our dedicated partners at all levels of government has been instrumental in making this possible. We look forward to contributing to the revitalization of the domestic supply chain, creating good-paying jobs and driving technological leadership in the semiconductor industry.”
The CHIPS and Science Act included Peters’ bipartisan Investing in Domestic Semiconductor Manufacturing Act, which ensures federal incentives to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing include U.S. suppliers that produce the materials and manufacturing equipment that enable semiconductor manufacturing – including HSC. This provision authored by Peters ensured HSC would be eligible for this award.
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