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]
From Mines to Microchips
Mining helps drive and build technology and is the very foundation of almost everything around us, from the copper, gold and silver used in electrical equipment, smartphones and healthcare equipment to the critical minerals that build the batteries, wind turbines and solar panels. Copper is crucial in semiconductor development, especially in advanced chip manufacturing … [More]
SHIELD USA Boosts Cutting-Edge Microelectronics Development in Arizona
Arizona State University has secured up to $100 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce as part of the CHIPS for America program for the SHIELD USA initiative. This initiative positions ASU as a key player in reshoring advanced microelectronics packaging to the United States, with the potential to transform the semiconductor landscape. The grant, awarded … [More]
Down but Not Out: Intel’s Arizona Fabs Remain Central to Its Global Strategy
Intel, a key player in the global semiconductor industry and an anchor for Arizona's tech economy, is at a critical juncture. Despite financial challenges and significant layoffs announced earlier this year, Intel's future remains tied to the success of its Arizona operations, particularly its massive investments in Chandler. These new fabs, built as part of a larger strategy … [More]
New Legislation Clears Path for Arizona’s Expanding Chip Industry
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly’s bipartisan Building Chips in America Act — a critical piece of legislation aimed at cutting the bureaucratic red tape that slows down the construction of semiconductor factories in the U.S. while proclaiming to maintain the bedrock protections for clean air and clean water — was signed into law by President Biden on October 2nd. The enactment of … [More]
ASU’s SWAP Hub Projects Secure $30 Million in Federal Funding
The Southwest Advanced Prototyping Hub, based at Arizona State University and comprised of more than 170 members — 75 large companies, 28 academic institutions and more than 60 small businesses — has been awarded nearly $30 million in federal funding for five projects aimed at strengthening U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. Hubs such as this serve as a crucial link between … [More]
Intel’s Challenge: Layoffs amid Semiconductor Expansion
Intel Corp., a major player in Arizona’s semiconductor industry, recently announced plans to cut 15% of its global workforce, roughly 15,000 jobs. This decision comes as the company grapples with financial challenges, including a $1.6 billion loss in the second quarter of 2024. The cuts are part of a broader restructuring aimed at saving $10 billion by 2025. What does this … [More]
Hyperion Technologies Looks to Make Peoria Home
The latest company to invest in Arizona's growing semiconductor industry is Hyperion Technologies, a leader in manufacturing high-density interconnect IC substrates (HDI-IC substrates). Although Hyperion may not yet be a household name, its recent announcement to build a 600,000-square-foot facility in Peoria aims to fill a crucial gap in the U.S. semiconductor supply chain and … [More]
Arizona’s Semiconductor Boom Sparks Environmental Concerns
Scrutiny on balance between economic progress and environmental stewardship
As Arizona’s semiconductor industry grows, so do environmental concerns. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and Intel, two of the largest chip manufacturers in the state, are both building massive facilities as part of the U.S. government’s CHIPS and Science Act initiative. However, a coalition of environmental and labor groups known as CHIPS Communities United is urging … [More]
