Dive Brief:
- The Biden-Harris Administration proposed up to $32 million for glass maker Corning and up to $3 million for Powerex under the CHIPS and Science Act to boost U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, according to a press release last Friday.
- Corning's expansion in Canton, New York, will create 130 manufacturing jobs and over 175 construction jobs. Meanwhile, Powerex’s modernization in Youngwood, Pennsylvania, will create over 55 manufacturing jobs and 20 construction jobs.
- Both companies intend to utilize the advanced manufacturing investment credit for further capital investment, the release stated.
Dive Insight:
Corning’s facility will support U.S. lithography supply chains with vital glass components, and Powerex’s facility will help fulfill Department of Defense semiconductor power module needs, enhancing national security, according to the release.
Corning is partnering with local organizations and unions to support workforce training in New York. The International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers local is also aiding in recruiting and retaining workers, including establishing an apprenticeship program.
The glass manufacturer pledged $300,000 per year for the duration of the proposed project to support the St. Lawrence County Childcare Training Program, which would help increase child care supply for the community, according to the release.
As for Powerrex, the $3 million CHIPS funding will support the construction of its $15 million modernization and expansion of its production facility in Youngwood, nearly doubling its capacity. The facility packages semiconductor power modules for defense applications including Lockheed Martin's F-35 fighter jet, as well as commercial and industrial applications.
Over half of Powerex’s power module production is dedicated to military applications, CEO Joseph Wolf said in the release.
Powerex is leveraging military and regional programs to attract and develop skilled workers, including the Department of Defense SkillBridge, Pittsburgh Hires Veterans and the Pennsylvania Talent Pipeline Project.
Thus far, the Biden-Harris administration has allocated over $36 billion in proposed CHIPS and Science Act funding across 20 states, according to the release. Yet the future of the CHIPS Act under President-elect Donald Trump remains unclear. Trump called the deal “so bad” in an interview on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast late last month. Yet GOP House Speaker Mike Johnson quickly walked back on a previous statement saying that Republicans “probably will” try to repeal legislation and likely instead “streamline” it, according to AP News.
