The U.S. Commerce Department's Section 232 investigation into semiconductor imports has significant implications for Arizona's burgeoning semiconductor ecosystem. As the state advances its position as a domestic semiconductor manufacturing hub, the investigation's outcomes could reshape the landscape for local manufacturers and suppliers. Strategic alignment with federal … [More]
Navigating Arizona’s Semiconductor Supply Chain
Strategic alignment impacted by tariffs, AI and more
Beyond the Fab: Arizona’s Chip Industry Creates Opportunity across Sectors
When a single industry grows fast enough, it doesn’t just expand. It accelerates everything around it. That’s what’s happening in Arizona, where the semiconductor surge is lifting more than just manufacturers. Kiterocket, a Phoenix-based communications agency, was recently named agency of record for SEMI, the global association representing more than 3,000 semiconductor and … [More]
Chemical Logistics Firm Anchors Arizona’s Growing Supply Chain
In Casa Grande, a new kind of infrastructure is taking shape, less visible than fabs and battery plants but just as vital to Arizona's high-tech economy. NRS Logios America, a global leader in chemical logistics, officially opened its first U.S. logistics facility in late May: a $90-million chemical logistics park designed to meet the rising demand for safe and reliable … [More]
Collaboration Fuels Arizona’s Semiconductor Success
Arizona is taking center stage for semiconductor development
Elected officials and semiconductor industry leaders gathered in April at Arizona Commerce Authority's Semi Breakfast Fueling Innovation: How Arizona is leading the charge in next generation semiconductor development, a forum hosted by the ACA to discuss the importance of semiconductor development in building a resilient Arizona economy. The message was clear: Semiconductor … [More]
Pipeline Connects and Arizona PBS Team Up to Bring Career Pathways to Life
For students weighing their futures and job seekers navigating new career directions, the journey often begins with a question: What does that job really look like? A new partnership between Arizona PBS and nonprofit Pipeline Connects provides some much-needed answers with a cinematic twist. The two organizations have joined forces to launch a video series that spotlights … [More]
Can a Customer-First Culture Reignite U.S. Chipmaking?
Intel’s new CEO brings a track record of rebuilding from within
Expectations were high when Lip-Bu Tan stepped on stage at Intel Vision 2025. The semiconductor giant has fallen from grace, ceding technological leadership to global competitors and watching its foundry business hemorrhage money. But Tan, Intel's new CEO and a well-known figure in venture capital and design automation, didn't shy away from the company's shortcomings. Instead, … [More]
Lucid Expands Arizona Footprint with Nikola Facility Deal
Lucid Group is accelerating its presence in Arizona after acquiring key facilities from bankrupt electric truck maker Nikola Corporation. The $30-million deal, announced April 10, includes Nikola's Coolidge manufacturing plant and a Phoenix facility formerly used for headquarters and R&D. With it, Lucid gains more than 884,000 square feet of space, along with high-end … [More]
Arizona’s Space Age
Arizona already sits at the center of America's semiconductor surge. Now, it may be charting a new trajectory — straight into space. From research labs to manufacturing floors, the state has become a powerhouse in advanced chipmaking. Governor Katie Hobbs reinstated the Arizona Space Commission in February, hoping it will help push the state to the forefront of the rapidly … [More]
Semiconductors, Data Centers and the Power Strain
Is Arizona ready for what’s next?
Arizona is at the center of two of the biggest technological transformations of the decade: the semiconductor boom and the rapid rise of AI-driven data centers. Together, they are reshaping the state’s economy, infrastructure and energy grid. Meta’s $1-billion data center in Mesa is one of the latest in a wave of large-scale facilities being built across the country to … [More]
What the President’s Speech Means for Arizona’s Semiconductor Future
The skyline of Arizona's semiconductor industry is changing — again. President Trump took to the stage before Congress, hailing the investment as a game-changer for American chipmaking. Although his speech had plenty of headline moments, one of the biggest takeaways for Arizona was Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.'s massive new investment in Phoenix. This move could … [More]
Does Arizona Need a New Semiconductor Identity?
“Arizona’s Silicon Desert” has been a fitting label for the state’s semiconductor industry — a nod to both its thriving tech sector and arid landscape. With more than $100 billion in investments, Arizona has cemented its role in the global semiconductor supply chain. But as the sector expands, some industry leaders argue the nickname no longer captures the full picture. Now, a … [More]
Arizona’s Semiconductor Industry Prepares for Tariffs
Will growth stay on track?
Arizona’s semiconductor industry is facing a new variable in its growth equation: tariffs. With billions of dollars on the line, the industry is bracing for what comes next. If higher import taxes on materials from Mexico, China and Canada take effect, chip manufacturers must adapt — and fast. Even as TSMC ramps up production of four-nanometer chips in Phoenix, the … [More]
Arizona Secures Major Semiconductor Research Lab
Transformative potential includes attracting private-sector investments
The U.S. Commerce Department and Natcast, the National Semiconductor Technology Center operator, have selected Arizona as the site for a flagship semiconductor research and development facility. Located at Arizona State University’s Research Park in Tempe, the lab will focus on prototyping and advanced packaging, addressing a critical gap in the U.S. semiconductor … [More]
Foam Packaging Specialties: ‘What Matters is Inside’
What began as a small family business has transformed into a key player in the semiconductor supply chain. Its story is not just about growth — it's about foresight, adaptability and commitment to quality in a high-stakes industry. Founded in 1972, Foam Packaging Specialties started as a small operation serving local businesses with packaging solutions. But years before … [More]
JX Advanced Metals USA Opens State-of-the-Art Facility in Mesa
JX Advanced Metals USA, Inc. (JX USA), formerly known as JX Nippon Mining & Metals USA, Inc., celebrated the grand opening of its new manufacturing plant in Mesa, Ariz., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by company leaders, local officials and representatives from the Arizona Commerce Authority. Located at the northeast corner of Germann and Crismon roads, the … [More]
Semiconductors Drive Arizona’s Electric Vehicle Market
Famous for its snowbirds, the Grand Canyon and retirees on ATVs, Arizona is swiftly carving out a new and unexpected identity blending its historic identity as the "Copper State" with its expanding semiconductor ecosystem. This, coupled with Arizona's long history of manufacturing, has attracted an entirely new industry to the state: electric car companies. Electric … [More]
AI, Arizona Investments and the Uncertain Road Ahead
Considerations around the semiconductor industry
With 2024 coming to a close, the semiconductor industry has had a mixed year. Artificial intelligence was the key market driver, sending graphic processor units (GPUs) and high-bandwidth memory (HBM) to record revenues. Mobile phones and AI PCs failed to respond to the hype, and automotive and industrial chips experienced an undersupply hangover. The strong AI and advanced … [More]
Semicon Valley: The Emergence of Arizona’s Semiconductor Landscape
Becoming a powerful force in the industry’s global footprint
At the inception of the semiconductor industry in the 1950s, the United States represented 100% of the world’s semiconductor manufacturing capacity due to its origins in the U.S. defense industry. Today, that number has dropped to 8%. With the increasing cost of integrated device manufacturing in the 1980s, the semiconductor industry was prompted to outsource fabrication to … [More]
