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 Arizona’s semiconductor boom started, the company made a pivotal decision: to invest in cleanroom-certified facilities.
“We saw an opportunity that went beyond business,” says the company’s president, Christopher Perry. “Investing in cleanroom-certified facilities was not just about meeting demand — it was about taking on the challenge of becoming experts in a new area of packaging. No one else in Arizona was doing it at the time, and we knew this was our chance to lead and support the unique needs of a rapidly evolving sector.”
In the fast-paced world of semiconductors, where the focus is often on chips, manufacturing plants and cutting-edge technology, one crucial aspect often goes unnoticed: packaging. Semiconductor components, fragile and sensitive, require meticulous care during transport and storage. For Foam Packaging Specialties, the role it plays in this complex ecosystem is vital yet understated.
Foam Packaging Specialties equipped its facility with a Class 10,000 cleanroom certified to ISO 7, ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness and environmental control — a rarity in the packaging industry. This certification ensures that semiconductor components are protected from contaminants, which could cause costly damage or compromise functionality. These facilities have positioned the company as a leader, not only in Arizona but also across the Southwest.
The cleanroom facility is complemented by an extensive lineup of advanced machinery, including CNC knife cutters, routers, a 5-axis waterjet and a mobile 3D scanner. This technology allows Foam Packaging Specialties to create precise, customized packaging designs for semiconductor components, often without needing the physical product to leave the client’s site. “Packaging isn’t just about efficiency — it’s about trust,” Perry notes. “Clients know their components are safeguarded every step of the way.”
Cleanroom-certified packaging isn’t a luxury in this industry; it’s a necessity. Semiconductor components are sensitive to contamination and physical damage. Even the slightest particle can compromise a chip’s functionality, leading to production delays and financial losses. This complexity has driven the need for customized, advanced packaging solutions. Foam Packaging Specialties’ cleanroom facilities minimize these risks, safeguarding its clients’ products from manufacturing floors to final destinations. Packaging these components is no longer just about physical protection — it’s about maintaining their integrity at a microscopic level.
“Our clients have learned that quality packaging is not an expense — it’s an investment,” Perry says. “The cost of a damaged semiconductor component far outweighs the cost of proper packaging. When you’re talking about components worth thousands of dollars each, the stakes are incredibly high.”
The company’s reputation for delivering reliable, tailored designs for semiconductor wafers, chiplets and other high-value components has earned it a loyal client base. “We’ve seen instances where clients tried to cut corners,” Perry says. “When those cheaper solutions failed, they came back to us, understanding the value of doing it right the first time.”
Semiconductor manufacturing doesn’t happen in isolation — it requires a robust ecosystem, and Foam Packaging Specialties has become an integral part of that network. The company’s role extends beyond Arizona, with its solutions being used globally, including in Southeast Asia. Its contributions are critical as major players like Intel, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and Amkor Technology expand their operations in the state, creating a demand for local, reliable supply chain partners.
“Our work contributes to the broader success of Arizona’s semiconductor industry,” Perry notes. “By providing reliable packaging solutions, we’re helping manufacturers meet production timelines, reduce waste and maintain quality standards. That has a ripple effect on the entire industry — and the local economy.”
Foam Packaging Specialties proves that sometimes the smallest details — like the packaging — can drive the biggest impact. So, while the company’s role may not always make headlines in an industry where every detail matters, its impact is undeniable.
Photo courtesy of Foam Packaging Specialties
