• State attracts first semiconductor firm to create and expand an integrated circuit design team in Michigan

• Latest investments boost Michigan’s leadership in semiconductor industry

Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation last week to announce that California-based indie Semiconductor plans to expand its office in Auburn Hills to include a best-in-class semiconductor design and testing facility, focusing on the development of highly innovative and integrated circuits and system solutions for the automotive market.

“indie Semiconductor’s investment in Michigan will create good-paying jobs for Michiganders in the semiconductor manufacturing supply chain and build on our leadership in this high-tech, high-growth industry,” said Governor Whitmer. “I am proud that Michigan was selected for this $12.5 million investment over several other states, proving that we have the skilled workforce, growing economy, and strong business-friendly environment necessary to win projects from one of the world’s most innovative companies. Let’s keep working together to bring advanced manufacturing and critical supply chains home as we create economic opportunity in every region and build a brighter future for Michigan.” 

indie Semiconductor, founded in 2007 and headquartered in Aliso Viejo, Calif., designs next-generation automotive semiconductors and software platforms. The company focuses on developing innovative, high-performance, and energy-efficient technology for driver safety and automation (ADAS), user experience, and electrification applications. indie has design centers and regional support offices across the U.S. and worldwide, including Auburn Hills, where it employs 26 Michiganders.

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $12.5 million and create up to 180 high-wage jobs with the support of a $10 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over competing sites from a number of other states. indie selected Michigan for its next U.S.-based design location because of its rich automotive history and proximity to the North American operations of most automotive manufacturers and their electronic module suppliers.

This project represents the first semiconductor firm to create or expand a design team in the state and contributes to MEDC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Michigan’s leadership in mobility and vehicle electrification.

“The announcement by indie Semiconductor underscores the increasing strength of our state’s high-tech ecosystem and represents a critical win in attracting long-term investments from semiconductor companies from around the world,” said Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC and President and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund. “We are proud to have earned this vote of confidence from indie and are grateful to them for choosing Michigan. Through the steadfast support of our bipartisan legislative partners, the Whitmer-Gilchrist Administration, and our many local partners, we continue to demonstrate that Michigan is a place for pure opportunity within the global semiconductor industry.”

To read the full announcement, visit here. For information about indie Semiconductor, visit www.indiesemi.com.

The investment by indie is expected to be a catalyst for the semiconductor industry’s continued growth in the state. Michigan’s demonstrated leadership in advanced manufacturing within the semiconductor field is evident in companies such as Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation, the largest producer of polysilicon in the U.S. Hemlock was chosen as the site of Governor Whitmer’s CHIPS Act executive directive signing thanks to its key role in Michigan’s growing semiconductor industry.

In September 2022, Hemlock announced plans to invest $375 million and create 170 jobs at its facilities in Thomas Township, further ensuring Hemlock’s long-term commitment to continue to produce the essential polysilicon for the semiconductor and solar industries in Michigan. Today, Hemlock was also announced as the latest company to join a partnership with the state to lower the cost of health care for its employees.  

Also in 2022, semiconductor wafer manufacturer SK Siltron CSS celebrated the grand opening of its new manufacturing facility in Bay City, where it is expanding production of much-needed silicon carbide wafers. The company selected Michigan for the $300 million over competing states because of its skilled workforce and proximity to automakers.

In an effort to make Michigan a top state for semiconductor talent solutions and growth, Gov. Whitmer and MEDC in late 2022 launched the new Semiconductor Talent Action Team. The Talent Action Team will work across the public sector, industry partners, and training institutions to identify a clear set of semiconductor-specific curricula and R&D investments, placing Michigan in a strong position to attract long-term, sustainable investments from semiconductor companies around the world.

This builds on the Semiconductor Career and Apprenticeship Network, or SCAN Program, that will create pathways and opportunities for job seekers and tools and systems for semiconductor companies to attract, develop and retain a diverse, innovative and skilled workforce. Announced in May 2022, Michigan was one of only three states at the time to launch this planning work to define curricula to support both workers and employers in the global semiconductor industry.

With a rich history in manufacturing and innovation, Michigan is poised to be a guiding hand as the world’s needs for semiconductor technology continue to evolve in the 21^st century. As the global epicenter of the automotive industry and home to one-fifth of U.S. auto production, Michigan is equipped to support the increasing global demand for semiconductor technology.

Learn more about the state’s semiconductor industry here.

For more Michigan economic development news, visit www.michiganbusiness.org/news.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)