While big names like Intel and TSMC often dominate the headlines, the latest news comes from a new company announcing its move to the Greater Phoenix area. KoMiCo, a leader in precision cleaning and advanced coatings for semiconductor equipment, has announced plans to open a new facility in Mesa by 2026, creating more than 200 jobs.
The facility, located in the Superstition Springs area of southeast Mesa, will be KoMiCo’s third and largest in the U.S. The $50-million investment will cover a 125,000-square-foot building on a 12.5-acre site, outfitted to provide precision cleaning and coating services to current fabs and the fabs of the future.
As semiconductor technology advances toward even smaller and more powerful chips, the need for precision cleaning and coatings becomes ever more crucial. What does that mean? When semiconductor tools require maintenance, a crucial part of the process involves removing and replacing key components such as shower heads (which handle gas distribution), wafer holders and ceramics from the chamber. The dirty parts are carefully packaged and sent out for cleaning. Companies like KoMiCo play a vital role in this service, ensuring that these components are thoroughly cleaned, quality-checked and then shipped back to be reinstalled. This maintenance service is essential to keeping semiconductor manufacturing equipment running efficiently and preventing contamination during the chip-making process.
However, the significance of this announcement isn’t just about another factory — it tells a deeper story. KoMiCo’s decision to plant roots in Arizona comes at a critical time. With tensions between Taiwan and China escalating, the U.S. is aggressively pursuing semiconductor self-reliance. With its favorable business environment and strategic location, Arizona has become a focal point for these efforts.
“KoMiCo’s new facility adds to Arizona’s dynamic semiconductor ecosystem and further emphasizes our state’s global significance for this critical industry,” says Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. KoMiCo’s decision to open a facility in Arizona further reinforces Watson’s earlier statement that “Arizona has become a global hub for advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies, with no signs of slowing down … These wins translate to high-paying jobs for Arizonans and increased opportunities for Arizona small businesses and local manufacturers, and they are supported by our top-ranked workforce and leading education institutions.”
For Mesa, KoMiCo’s arrival is more than just an economic boost; it’s a long-term bet on the city’s role in the global semiconductor industry. The Mesa facility represents more than just a response to immediate market demands; it adds a new dimension to Mesa’s growing tech sector. Bringing these capabilities to Mesa bolsters the infrastructure that underpins the entire semiconductor supply chain in the U.S.
“I’m excited to welcome KoMiCo to Mesa, where they’ll play a key role in the emerging semiconductor industry,” says Mesa Mayor John Giles. “Their cutting-edge work in precision cleaning and coatings is exactly the kind of innovation that’s driving our city’s growth and helping to shape the future of technology.”
With strategic investments like KoMiCo’s new facility in Mesa, the state is not just keeping pace with the global semiconductor race — it’s positioning itself as a leader. KoMiCo’s move to Mesa is a clear reflection of Arizona’s continued rise in the tech world. The future of American manufacturing increasingly looks like it will be shaped in the Arizona desert.
