Officials cheer job growth, technology investment at Hemlock Semiconductor

THOMAS TWP, MI — The U.S. Commerce Department‘s plan to award up to $325 million to Hemlock Semiconductor is a huge boost to the company, economic development officials say. It also helps lay a foundation for more quality jobs and new technology investments in the region.

The federal funds will allow HSC to expand its semiconductor-grade polysilicon manufacturing in Saginaw County, where it first opened in 1961.

Based in Thomas Township, HSC is the only U.S.-headquartered producer of hyper-pure polysilicon, a vital material for semiconductor chips. It employs approximately 1,350 people at its headquarters here and is owned by Corning Inc. and Shin-Etsu Handotai.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said Monday, Oct. 21, the grant will result in 180 permanent new manufacturing jobs and 1,000 more construction jobs. Crews are expected to break ground on the site in 2025, with construction beginning in 2026 and production starting in 2028.

“Congratulations to Hemlock Semiconductor on securing this transformative federal investment,” said Jim Reaume, president and CEO of Bay Future Inc. “This expansion not only reinforces HSC’s leadership in the semiconductor industry but also underscores the vital role the Great Lakes Bay Region and Michigan play in shaping the future of high-tech manufacturing.

“With this new chapter, the Great Lakes Bay Region is poised to drive innovation, create high-quality jobs, and bolster the nation’s technological strength,” Reaume added. “We all look forward to seeing this region continue to lead the way in advancing critical technologies that power the global economy.”

Matthew Felan, president and CEO of Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance, also called the grant a “great first step (that’s) incredibly important to our region … and our national security.”

The proposed direct funding was made available through the CHIPS and Science Act, which was promoted as a vehicle for bolstering U.S. supply chains and securing good-paying jobs

JoAnn Crary, president Saginaw Future Inc., said the support will help “ensure that the foundation of the semiconductor industry supply chain remains anchored here in Saginaw County and the Great Lakes Bay Region.”

“We are very excited about today’s announcement, which will support continued growth and technology investment at Hemlock Semiconductor,” Crary said Monday.

CHIPS for America has allocated over $36 billion in proposed funding across 20 states and proposed to invest billions more in research and innovation, which is expected to create over 125,000 jobs.