The fab is expected to expand the company’s manufacturing capacity to meet the increasing demand for silicon carbide devices in automotive and industrial applications
Wolfspeed’s 200mm silicon carbide fab is located in Mohawk Valley. (Credit: Cristian Ibarra from Pixabay)
Wolfspeed (formerly Cree), a US-based developer of wide bandgap semiconductors, has officially inaugurated its 200mm silicon carbide fabrication facility (fab) in Marcy, New York.
The fully automated power wafer fabrication facility is located in Mohawk Valley. It is expected to help lead the industry-wide shift from silicon to silicon carbide-based semiconductors.
It is said to expand the manufacturing capacity of Wolfspeed to meet the increasing demand for silicon carbide devices in automotive and industrial applications.
Wolfspeed president and CEO Gregg Lowe said: “We are honoured to be joined by these government, community and industry leaders to celebrate Wolfspeed’s Mohawk Valley Fab, New York State’s economic competitiveness and American chip manufacturing.
“I am incredibly proud of the team, and all our partners, who brought this monumental fab to life in such a short time. This fab will not only supply customers in 2022 but also support long-term American competitiveness.”
According to Wolfspeed, the first lot of silicon carbide was run at the fab earlier this month. The fab is expected to create over 600 high-tech jobs in Mohawk Valley by 2029.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said: “By cutting the ribbon on this new chip fabrication facility, we are making good on the promise of being the most business-friendly and worker-friendly state in the nation, while cementing New York as the national hub for semiconductor production.
“Employers in cutting-edge industries like Wolfspeed will power the future of New York by bringing good paying jobs and educational opportunities to communities like this one, right here in Marcy.”
In North Carolina, Wolfspeed has been constructing a materials factory in Durham, which is slated to be completed later this year. Alongside the Mohawk Valley Silicon Carbide fabrication facility, the Durham factory will establish a national silicon carbide corridor on the US East Coast, said the company.
The two factories represent a combined investment of $1bn, as announced by the company in 2019.