Starting as a precision aerospace machine shop in 1995, Foresight Technologies has since evolved into the global leader in high-purity chemical component and system manufacturing for semiconductor equipment. In its 165,000-square-foot production site in Tempe, Ariz., a team of more than 350 skilled team members, 100 of whom are certified plastic welders, have access to 60 CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine tools and full Class 1,000 and 10,000 cleanroom assembly operations. In 2024, Foresight completed the addition of a 100,000-square-foot “Center of Excellence” for chemical equipment production to accommodate new customer demands in the U.S., as well as to provide local, barrier-free production for international manufacturers supporting the heightened U.S. demand.
Foresight’s core customers are among the top five semiconductor original equipment manufacturers, the companies that make the tools used to manufacture chips. Vertically integrated in the production of chemical equipment, Foresight is the global leader in precision fabrication of plastics through CNC machining, plastic welding, high-purity fusion bonding, plumbing and complete build of customer modules, subsystems and turnkey chemical distribution equipment. The company drives process improvements through standardization and optimization of each process in the supply chain. Foresight uses custom, plastic welding systems it designs in-house, allowing highly repeatable weld quality and standardization of plastic machining systems, eliminating almost all machine setup while also offering unique processes such as robotic deburring and hot plate welding. These systems enable the manufacture of high-quality products at a lower cost.
Foresight’s global footprint goes far beyond Arizona, as the company opened its Asia Pacific operation, located in Penang, Malaysia, in 2010. The Penang site has grown rapidly to support the most advanced technology customers in the Asia region. The custom-built 110,000-square-foot manufacturing campus will expand again this year, bringing the Malaysia footprint to nearly 200,000 square feet of space dedicated to producing parts and equipment for its Asia-based customers. With over 300 production staff, 60 CNCs, high-purity plumbing, fusion bonding and subsystem integration, Foresight’s Asia Pacific operation adds significant value for its customers worldwide.
Between its two locations, the company has experienced organic growth of more than 50% a year, which can be attributed to its superior quality, engineering and higher efficiency that allow it to remain competitive globally.
Looking Forward
The company is also expanding its services, launching Foresight On-Site LLC, a new offering comprised of on-site semiconductor fab construction and infrastructure installation services. This includes C4-licensed pipefitting services for fabs and high-tech customers needing high-purity tool connections, tank and chemical interconnects, drain systems, plastic containment and more. The Foresight team works directly with fabs, general contractors and others to bring its supply chain expertise and unique skills to new and existing facilities. With the largest number of highly skilled welders, pipe fusion bonders and semiconductor plumbing experts on its full-time staff, Foresight On-Site can meet the growing demand for new semiconductor fab construction.
As part of its new service offerings, the company provides prefabricated system delivery, using its in-house manufacturing lines to complete up to 35% of installations off-site, reducing labor and installation time, while improving project speed and quality. A full range of basic chemical distribution equipment is also available, including valve manifold boxes, chemical distribution systems, drum distribution units, and many more, providing low-cost options to fab designers.
Foresight’s approach to design, production and installation of high-quality fab infrastructure is making a significant impact on Arizona’s fast-growing semiconductor ecosystem, successfully meeting growing demand for fast and lower-cost fab builds.
At a Glance
Company name: Foresight Technologies
Headquarters: Tempe, Arizona
Number of employees in Arizona / globally: 350 / 700
Years in Arizona: Since 1995
Did you benefit from the CHIPS Act? No
What vertical(s) do you specialize in? Foresight is vertically integrated in the production of chemical equipment. It is the global leader in plastic CNC machining, plastic welding, high-purity fusion bonding, plumbing and complete system builds.
How do you fit into the semiconductor ecosystem? Foresight Technologies fills a unique role for high-purity fab infrastructure because it can bring hundreds of highly trained and skilled staff to support on-site projects. It also brings its unique capabilities to overseas equipment suppliers to provide local manufacturing and support for its global customers.
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining is a manufacturing process in which pre-programmed computer software dictates the movement of factory tools and machinery. The process can be used to control a range of complex machinery, from grinders and lathes to mills and CNC routers.
Photo courtesy of Foresight Technologies
