EMD Electronics Commemorates Inauguration of State-of-the-Art Arizona Factory, Bolstering the Flourishing Semiconductor Sector in the Region

12 Oct, 2023

EMD Electronics Commemorates Inauguration of State-of-the-Art Arizona Factory, Bolstering the Flourishing Semiconductor Sector in the Region

EMD Electronics, the electronics division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany in the United States and Canada, marked the grand opening of its cutting-edge factory in Chandler, Arizona today. The inauguration of this facility represents a significant milestone within the framework of the "Level Up" growth initiative introduced in late 2021. The factory boasts a 75,000-square-foot building, effectively doubling the company's U.S. manufacturing capacity, specifically aimed at producing equipment for its Delivery Systems & Services (DS&S) business. DS&S focuses on the high-quality delivery and storage of specialty chemicals and gases. This investment of $39 million in the new site stands as the largest ever made by the company in its semiconductor equipment and services sector. This sector has been a key driver of growth due to a robust business pipeline.

"The global semiconductor market's long-term outlook is promising, and our commitment is to expand our capabilities strategically, aligning them with the needs of our customers," stated Kai Beckmann, Member of Kai Beckmann, a member of the Executive Board of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and the CEO of the Electronics division, expressed their excitement regarding the expansion potential of their Delivery Systems & Services business. They also take pride in the establishment of a new presence in Arizona, a prominent center for semiconductor production. Today's inauguration reflects our confidence in the future of our industry and our dedication to reaching new heights."

Katherine Dei Cas, Head of the Delivery Systems & Services business unit within Merck KGaA's Electronics division, added, "Our equipment, delivery services, and technical expertise are pivotal to achieving operational excellence in semiconductor manufacturing. By increasing our manufacturing capabilities and advancing our workforce strategy, we stay aligned with our customers as the semiconductor ecosystem continues to expand. It's an honor to be part of the collective effort, involving leaders and advocates from both the public and private sectors, to contribute to the momentum of our industry."

The grand opening event witnessed the presence of the Governor of Arizona, Katie Hobbs, and the Mayor of Chandler, Kevin Hartke. Senator Mark Kelly conveyed a video message. Industry leaders and representatives from the City of Chandler, the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, the Arizona Commerce Authority, and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) gathered at the event, held at the new facility's production area.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs expressed, "The grand opening of EMD Electronics is yet another testament to Arizona's transformation into a center for innovation and technology. We welcome this significant addition that further strengthens our state's semiconductor ecosystem. Historic semiconductor investments continue to ripple across our state, fostering the establishment and expansion of new businesses, such as EMD Electronics."

Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke stated, "We are thrilled to welcome EMD Electronics to our thriving business community. Industry leaders like EMD Electronics have played a pivotal role in making Chandler a hub for innovation and a thriving center for the semiconductor industry."

Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, remarked, "EMD Electronics' new facility enhances Arizona's status as a hub for advanced semiconductor operations. EMD Electronics is a valuable addition to Chandler's rapidly growing semiconductor ecosystem, expanding the state's semiconductor supply chain and contributing to the continued growth of Arizona's semiconductor industry."

The expansion activities emphasize the company's commitment to enhancing supply chain resilience and supporting a skilled talent pipeline. As the semiconductor industry intensifies production to meet expected demand, the investment in this new site will bolster the company's ability to facilitate customers' expansion plans and ensure supply resilience and reliability.

The new factory, designed for efficient manufacturing, doubles Merck's U.S. manufacturing capacity for producing its GASGUARD® and CHEMGUARD® systems. The site features a 75,000-square-foot building, a 6,000-square-foot clean room, and a 2,000-square-foot training center, specifically designed to support manufacturing and services onboarding.

Manufacturing operations at the new site commenced in June 2023. Since then, the workforce has grown to over 100 employees. EMD Electronics has implemented a comprehensive workforce strategy that includes university relations and a veterans program to nurture the industry's talent pipeline. The company remains actively engaged in an ongoing effort to promote emerging talent in collaboration with key stakeholders, such as the SEMI Foundation, Arizona State University (ASU), the Maricopa County Community College District, the Tempe Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee, and others.

In April 2023, the company announced an investment of approximately $300 million in its semiconductor manufacturing facility in Hometown, Pennsylvania, now the world's largest integrated Specialty Gases facility.

All press releases from Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, are disseminated via email simultaneously with their availability on the EMD Group website. For residents of the USA or Canada, please visit EMD Group Subscribe to register for online updates, change your preferences, or opt out of this service.

About EMD Electronics: EMD Electronics is the North American electronics arm of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. EMD Electronics' portfolio encompasses a wide array of products and solutions, including advanced materials and solutions for the semiconductor industry, as well as liquid crystals and OLED materials for displays and effect pigments for coatings and cosmetics. Presently, EMD Electronics employs approximately 2,000 individuals throughout the country, with regional offices in Tempe (AZ) and Philadelphia (PA). About Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany: Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a prominent science and technology enterprise, operates across the life science, healthcare, and electronics sectors. Over 64,000 employees work diligently to create more joyful and sustainable ways of living, making a positive impact on millions of lives each day. From providing products and services that expedite drug development and manufacturing to finding unique solutions for treating the most complex diseases and empowering smart devices, the company's reach is extensive. In 2022, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, recorded sales of €22.2 billion in 66 countries.

The company possesses exclusive global rights to the name and trademark "Merck" on a worldwide scale. Exceptions include the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, function as Millipore Sigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare, and EMD Electronics in electronics. Since its establishment in 1668, scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been fundamental to the company's technological and scientific progress. As of today, the original founding family still retains the largest ownership stake in the publicly traded corporation.