Hundreds of jobs coming to Benton County through investment in CHIPS & Science Act

CORVALLIS, Ore. — Hundreds of new permanent jobs are coming to Benton County thanks to an historic investment of $50 million driven by the federal CHIPS and Science Act.

The Biden-Harris administration just approved the funds that will modernize and expand the HP facility in Corvallis, establishing Oregon as a center of research and technology in the semiconductor industry.

Political leaders gathered Tuesday for that announcement in Corvallis.

“Semiconductors are Oregon’s growing economic juggernaut,” said Senator Ron Wyden.

Driven by the CHIPS and Science Act, HP expects to add 100 factory jobs in Corvallis and temporarily employ 150 construction workers.

The proposed $50 million investment from the Biden-Harris administration will allow HP to further invest in their technology and establish Oregon as an economic powerhouse.

This comes after the pandemic highlighted the country’s dependence on global production of microchip technologies.

“I’m really proud that we here in Oregon understand the importance of economic security as national security,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “We are, here in Oregon, a national center of research and technology in the semiconductor industry. We know how to do it here.”

This investment highlights HP’s unique technology – called microfluidics – which has the ability to increase the efficiency and performance of computer chips – a system they’re hoping to adapt into the medical industry – specifically in cancer and cellular research as well as pharmaceuticals.

“Microfluidics today has really evolved into something that our engineers, physicists, chemists, and biologists use to drive change across industries,” said Tuan Tran, HP President of Imaging, Printing and Solutions.

The federal investment, coupled with $9.5 million from Oregon’s CHIPS and Science Act, will establish Corvallis’ role in expanding the nation’s domestic semiconductor development and production.

“What this means is it allows Corvallis and the mid-Willamette Valley to be an economic engine,” added Rep. Val Hoyle.

“This investment is about expanding the boundaries of what’s possible with technology and science,” Tran explained. “It’s about securing America’s place at the forefront of innovation for generations to come.”

The result is a nearly-$60 million investment to grow the technology industry in Benton County.

In about a year’s time, the Corvallis facility plans to start the hiring process for manufacturing and construction positions, largely drawing candidates from partnerships with Oregon State University and community colleges throughout the state.