Arizona’s booming semiconductor industry shows no signs of slowing down. ASM International, a Dutch semiconductor equipment company with a 40-year presence in Phoenix, has revealed plans to invest more than $320 million in a new Scottsdale campus. Slated for completion by 2026, the move to the new 20-acre site will create more than 500 jobs and allow the company to better serve both local and global customers, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and Intel Corp.
This significant investment will contribute significantly to ASM’s growth, doubling the company’s footprint in Arizona while further advancing the state’s “Silicon Desert,” or “Semiconductor Desert,” status. Moreover, it will set a notable benchmark for those eyeing their own investment in the region.
On Tuesday, December 5, ASM held a landmark event at WestWorld of Scottsdale to celebrate its expansion plans, cementing itself as an integral part of the local and global semiconductor industry. Dignitaries on hand to offer remarks included Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega and ASM CEO Benjamin Loh. Arizona senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly, though unable to attend, conveyed their enthusiasm for the expansion via video statements.
“The impact and relevance of what we do has never been greater,” Loh said at the event. Stating his pride in leading a Dutch company, Loh shared that the new facility is a cornerstone of success for future semiconductor industry advancement.
Micky Adriaansens, minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy for the Netherlands, spoke to the “boundless, enterprising spirit and innovation ASM exhibits through this expansion,” and her pride in supporting a Dutch company in the U.S.
Noting that the company is catalyzing innovation with high-paying technology jobs, Governor Hobbs stated, “Few companies have been as important to our long history in semiconductor innovation as ASM.” She also cited the surge in technology companies either establishing new operations or expanding existing ones in Arizona, with 32 semiconductor expansions occurring in the last two years.
Arizona’s semiconductor industry directly employs more than 21,700 workers; it’s an industry that has grown by more than 25% since 2017 and is listed by Lightcast as the fourth largest employer of semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing positions in the U.S. Rapid population growth and collaborative training programs have turbo-boosted these ever-increasing numbers, creating more opportunities for Arizonans in this high-wage field.
Situated across the 101 from Grayhawk and the thriving Scottsdale One development, ASM’s forthcoming headquarters will be strategically positioned amidst the planned Banner Health, Axon and Parque campuses. The 250,000-square-foot facility will adhere to a stringent commitment to environmental stewardship, ethical labor practices and thorough safety standards. Loh announced that ASM will focus on limiting water and energy use as much as possible and will pursue LEED certification.
The new headquarters will also house ASM’s research and development efforts along with engineering, training and a laboratory and cleanroom. The site will also house ASM’s Global Training Center and Global Software team. Planned employee amenities include a state-of-the-art gym, yoga studio, basketball court, tennis court and cafeteria, to name a few.
“Arizona and the U.S. are valuable partners in the Netherlands’ mission to co-create solutions that promote innovation and partnerships in the global semiconductor value chain,” said Prime Minister Rutte. “It is through these types of cross-border collaborations that we are shaping the future of advancements in this growing industry.”
He went on to comment on how this expansion heralds a new chapter of success for climate and sustainability efforts and helps geopolitical tensions. Rutte believes more Dutch companies will be ready to bolster development further in Arizona.
ASM initially set up its North American headquarters in Phoenix in 1976, making it one of the pioneering semiconductor equipment companies in the state. Globally, ASM boasts seven R&D centers and multiple manufacturing facilities.
“ASM’s expansion further positions Arizona as the nation’s leading center for semiconductor innovation and manufacturing,” said Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “ASM has been a longtime industry partner in Arizona, and we look forward to supporting their continued success.”
As part of its forward-looking focus, ASM rolled out a refreshed look and feel this year, as well as a distinctive new tagline, “Ahead of what’s next.” The phrase is intended to encapsulate the company’s dynamic, idea-driven approach to making a meaningful impact on people’s lives and its commitment to the ongoing pursuit of innovation.
In a Nutshell:
- ASM supplies wafer processing equipment for leading semiconductor manufacturers, mostly for the deposition of thin films. The company designs, manufactures, sells and services deposition tools to supply customers with advanced technologies to produce semiconductor devices, or integrated circuits (ICs).
- ASM’s new facility will be located on a 24-acre parcel of land near the southeast corner of Scottsdale Road and Loop 101.
- The company employs more than 4,200 people worldwide.
- ASM has more than 54 years of research, innovation and breakthrough technologies.
- Established in 1968, ASM originated in the Netherlands and now operates in 15 different countries.
- With more than 2,600 patents in force, the company continues to innovate with more than 965 employees working in its seven R&D centers.
