The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced its award of up to $406 million in CHIPS Act funding to GlobalWafers America, LLC (GWA) and MEMC LLC (MEMC), subsidiaries of GlobalWafers Co., Ltd. (GlobalWafers), under its CHIPS Incentives Program’s Funding Opportunity for Commercial Fabrication Facilities.
These investments, following a previously signed preliminary memorandum of understanding (MOU) and the completion of the Department’s due diligence, aim to establish the first advanced high-volume 300mm silicon wafer manufacturing facility in the United States and expand domestic production of 300mm silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers. The Department will disburse the funding incrementally as GWA and MEMC achieve specific project milestones over a multi-year timeframe.
The Role of SOI Wafers in Advanced Devices
SOI wafers, known for their high breakdown voltage and low energy consumption, are essential in powering high-performance MEMS and power devices. These attributes stem from the unique SOI structure, which is created using a bonding method that enables precise control over the thickness of both the SOI and BOX layers. Demand for SOI wafers continues to grow, particularly in applications such as intelligent power modules and advanced MEMS devices like accelerometers and pressure sensors. By enabling the creation of complex 3D structures, SOI wafers meet the rigorous performance requirements of today’s most advanced technologies.
Key Investments to Strengthen U.S. Semiconductor Manufacturing

The CHIPS funding supports projects totaling approximately $4 billion in capital expenditures across Texas and Missouri. These initiatives are projected to create over 2,500 new jobs, including an estimated 1,700 construction positions and 880 manufacturing roles.
- Texas: Starting in the first half of 2025, GWA will establish the first U.S.-based advanced high-volume 300mm silicon wafer facility. These wafers will be foundational components for leading-edge semiconductor devices, including memory and logic chips. The CHIPS funding includes $6 million earmarked for workforce development initiatives in Texas to ensure the skilled labor force required for this facility’s operations.
- Missouri: In the same timeframe, MEMC’s facility in St. Peters will begin producing 300mm SOI wafers. These wafers, which allow for improved performance in harsh environments, are critical for defense and aerospace technologies. SOI wafers also play a key role in high-speed, low-power electronic applications like MEMS devices.
Additionally, GlobalWafers will convert part of its existing Sherman, Texas-based epitaxy wafer manufacturing facility to silicon carbide (SiC) epitaxy wafer production. SiC wafers are essential components for high-voltage applications, including electric vehicles and clean energy infrastructure.
Driving U.S. Innovation and Job Creation
“GlobalWafers is proud to be a CHIPS for America participant and the only global producer now building advanced wafer facilities in the United States,” said Doris Hsu, Chairperson and CEO of GlobalWafers. “I’d like to especially thank Secretary Raimondo and her CHIPS team for being committed partners throughout this important and exhilarating journey. Through our new investments announced today, we look forward to innovating with our U.S.-based chip customers for decades to come.”
“Starting next year and for the first time in over 20 years, the U.S. will again be home to advanced wafers for leading-edge integrated circuits. Our new facilities will fill a key vulnerability in the U.S. supply chain and bring back to American shores the technology that was pioneered here over 60 years ago,” said GlobalWafers’ President Mark England. He added: “As the only global wafer manufacturer participating in the CHIPS for America Program, we are fully committed to supporting the nation’s semiconductor manufacturing rebirth.”
The CHIPS for America program will distribute funds based on the completion of construction, technology, production, and commercial milestones. Performance will be monitored through financial and programmatic reporting in line with award terms.
About CHIPS for America
CHIPS for America, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, supports U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and research and development to drive innovation, economic growth, and job creation. Since its inception, the program has allocated over $25 billion of its $36 billion incentives funding to date, spanning 21 states and expected to create more than 125,000 jobs.
Since the program’s inception, semiconductor and electronics companies have announced over $450 billion in private investments, catalyzed in large part by public funding. CHIPS for America includes both the CHIPS Program Office for manufacturing incentives and the CHIPS Research and Development Office, focused on R&D programs. For more information, visit CHIPS for America.
About GlobalWafers Co., Ltd
GlobalWafers Co., Ltd., the third largest supplier of semiconductor wafers, operates 18 manufacturing and operational sites across three continents and nine countries. The company specializes in semiconductor technology, supplying wafers to chip manufacturers for use in a wide range of applications. For more information, please click here.
Article Sources: U.S. Department of Commerce, GlobalWafers
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