New Semiconductor Win Kick-Starts Investment Mission to Bring Semiconductor Supply Chain Jobs Home to Michigan

Silbond Corporation to begin manufacturing abrasives for semiconductor chips in Lenawee County, investing $7.9 million

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has embarked on a three-day investment mission in California, focusing on securing investments in the semiconductor industry that will create good-paying jobs and bring this critical supply chain back home to Michigan. Joining the governor will be Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. and other MEDC officials.

“To make sure Michigan leads the future, we need to continue to bring critical supply chains and advanced manufacturing home,” said Governor Whitmer. “I am thrilled that this economic mission helped us forge strong relationships and win an expansion from Evonik, which help keep Michigan at the forefront of the global semiconductor industry. As governor, I will go anywhere and compete with anyone to keep telling Michigan’s story. Together, we will bring more good-paying, middle-class jobs back home and ensure anyone can ‘make it’ in Michigan. With announcements like today’s, we will build and lead the future of semiconductors and so much more.”

“Team Michigan is proud to bring home this win and build on our leadership in the semiconductor supply chain,” MEDC’s Messer said. “We are grateful for Evonik’s vote of confidence in our state. I am honored to join Governor Whitmer and Team Michigan’s entire delegation as we meet with leaders in the semiconductor industry, strengthen ties and deliver the message that anyone can ‘make it in Michigan.’ These missions play the vital role of ensuring that industry leaders know that Michigan’s welcome mat is out for businesses of all sizes that will create new opportunities for more current and future Michiganders.”

The governor began her trip by announcing that Silbond Corporation, a producer of chemicals for the fabrication of semiconductors, is expanding its operations in Fairfield Township in Lenawee County. Silbond is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Germany-based specialty chemicals company Evonik.

The expansion will allow the company to manufacture new products, including high-purity abrasives and market them to manufacturers of liquid abrasive slurries which are in the production of microchips. The project is expected to generate a total capital spending of $7.9 million in 2023 and 2024 and create three jobs and will further build on the state’s work to position itself as the global leader in the semiconductor supply chain.

“The new plant makes an important contribution to the strategic development of our portfolio,” said Peter Friesenhahn, head of Evonik’s Silanes business line. “We are strengthening our offering for attractive, technology-driven growth markets and positioning ourselves as an innovation partner for our customers.”

Silbond produces chemicals that are used in the semiconductor industry as well as other chemicals that act as binders and are used in corrosion-resistant coatings, aerogel insulation and investment castings. Silbond currently employs 36 Michigan residents at its Fairfield facility.

The expansion of Silbond’s plant in Weston is supported by a $900,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over competing sites in other states due to experience in producing high purity chemicals, the talented workforce and proximity to the company’s existing and potential customers.

The project will bring immediate, high-wage jobs within a large and expanding manufacturing company and is also expected to be a catalyst for the semiconductor industry’s continued growth in the state.

Lenawee Now has offered support in the form of staff, financial, and economic support. Information on careers with Silbond is available here.

“Lenawee Now is excited about the announcement of the expansion of Silbond Corp in Lenawee County,” said Lenawee Now Executive Director Patrick Farver. “This is the result of hard work by many and brings an exciting opportunity for further growth and collaboration. Working closely with Evonik on this expansion not only strengthens our local economy, but also creates a significant number of high-paying new jobs. This expansion is a testament to the thriving business environment in Lenawee County, and we look forward to continuing to support Silbond as they continue to grow.”

The project aligns with the state’s work to position itself as the global leader in the semiconductor supply chain, and will further solidify the company’s presence and future investment in the state. The project builds on existing assets and companies such as Mersen USA, KLA, Hemlock Semiconductor, Calumet Electronics, SK Siltron and more.

Michigan is leading key initiatives to develop the talent needed to support semiconductor growth in the Midwest including the Semiconductor Michigan Talent Action Team, aimed at making Michigan a top state for semiconductor talent solutions and growth. In October, MEDC leaders announced the largest investment in state history to expand semiconductor education and training programs in partnership with Michigan State University and Lansing Community College.

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 21st 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.

Governor Whitmer’s mission is the second trip to California she’s taken since being in office. In December 2019, the governor spent two days in Silicon Valley, where she met with tech and mobility companies to build relationships, promote business investment and grow talent opportunities in Michigan.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.