(BOSTON – 07/21/2022) – The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday authorized a $10 million bond toward the construction of cleanroom semi-conductor manufacturing facilities. These facilities, which would partner with major Massachusetts research universities for operations and management, would provide space for semiconductor startup companies, research and development, workforce development initiatives, semiconductor advanced packaging prototyping, and low volume production runs. This funding authorization was passed as an amendment to a broader economic development bill.
“Massachusetts has a long legacy as the birthplace of major advances in science and technology,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “The problem is, once these technologies are developed, they are often sent to be manufactured in facilities halfway across the world. I introduced this amendment because we are missing an incredible opportunity to manufacture semi-conductors where they are developed, right here in the Bay State. If the funding to build these cleanroom semi-conductor manufacturing facilities is approved, we will be planting the seeds of a major high-tech manufacturing boom, creating good high-paying jobs throughout the Commonwealth, and supplying the world with the computer chips they need to build the devices of the future.”
If built, these cleanroom semi-conductor manufacturing facilities will be the only facilities of their kind in the northeast region of the United States – the next closest being located in Florida and New Mexico.
“As an organization that represents all businesses throughout the Commonwealth, Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) is thrilled to see the Senate recognize and support the need for local semiconductor manufacturing,” said Brooke Thomson, AIM’s Executive Vice President of Government Affairs. “This will enhance and strengthen the Massachusetts economy at a critical time. We are grateful to Senator Moore for championing this critical issue.”
“This investment will help build critical facilities for Massachusetts’ semiconductor industry,” said Massachusetts High Technology Council President, Chris Anderson. “The funding will go towards much-needed cleanroom space for semiconductor startups, workforce development training, and other purposes to boost production and technical training in one of the Commonwealth’s most important technology sectors.”
These semi-conductor manufacturing facilities will leverage Department of Defense grants, federal funding such as the CHIPS Act, and local semi-conductor industry support for ongoing production and operations cost. A location will be selected after the passage of the bill.
The House having already passed a version of the economic development bill, this legislation now goes to a conference committee to align on final language.
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