Governor Visits Hemlock Semiconductor to Discuss Global Manufacturing Leadership

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined business, state and local officials Tuesday for a tour of Hemlock Semiconductor’s facilities in Hemlock. She commended the company for its longstanding commitment to Michigan and its contributions to Michigan’s leadership position in the semiconductor supply chain.

“Hemlock Semiconductor’s continued investment is further evidence that Michigan remains a place where high-tech talent needs can be met and companies of all sizes can grow,” said Governor Whitmer.“Hemlock’s presence in Michigan underscores our global manufacturing and automotive R&D leadership in helping to address the universal industry demand for semiconductors while creating good jobs for Michigan workers.”

In an effort to solve the chip crisis facing the auto industry, Gov. Whitmer’s office said she worked to bring SK Siltron, a new semiconductor wafer manufacturing and R&D facility, with 150 jobs near Bay City to support electric vehicle growth and support auto industry needs in-state. A new facility by KLA, a high-tech, Fortune 500 firm specializing in systems and software integral to chip and electronics manufacturing is also creating 600 good-paying jobs in Ann Arbor.

Gov. Whitmer called on federal officials to fund the CHIPS Act in her State of the State address to fight the ongoing chip crisis head-on and take advantage of this once-in-a-generation opportunity to help grow critical sectors in Michigan’s economy.

“HSC is well-positioned to play a key role in building a robust domestic supply chain for semiconductors right here in Michigan,” said Hemlock President and Chief Executive Officer AB Ghosh. “Our hyper-pure polysilicon is a key component in the semiconductors found in billions of electronic devices around the world and in the solar panels that are essential to our transition to a clean energy economy. As a global market leader in both spaces, we see exciting tremendous growth opportunities ahead that will benefit HSC and the state of Michigan.”

“Hemlock’s longstanding presence in Michigan underscores our demonstrated leadership in advanced manufacturing within the semiconductor field,” said Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO and Michigan Strategic Fund President and Chair Quentin Messer Jr, who joined Governor Whitmer on the tour. “We congratulate the entire Hemlock team on your tremendous growth and success and look forward to working together as you continue to grow and add jobs here in Michigan.”