Integra Technologies to build $1.8B chip plant in Kansas

Dive Brief:

Semiconductor assembler Integra Technologies will spend $1.8 billion to build a facility in Witchita, Kansas, according to a Feb. 2 press release.
Integra provides semiconductor packaging, testing and qualification services. The 1-million-square-foot plant is part of the push to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing and will serve as the company’s headquarters, according to the release.
“The semiconductors we work on are in multiple space applications, such as the Mars Rover and Hubble Telescope; more than 100 Department of Defense programs of record, as well as commercial applications,” said President and CEO Brett Robinson in a statement.

Dive Insight:

Integra is one of many manufacturers in the semiconductor space who committed to U.S. manufacturing projects after the CHIPS and Science Act was signed in August.

Major chip manufacturers including TSMC and Micron announced projects last year to capitalize on funding made available under the act.

This year, Integra has been approved for a Kansas state incentive package for its new facility, according to the release. The incentive, dubbed the Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion Act, will pave the way for the semiconductor assembler to apply for CHIPS Act funding, which contingent on a state and local incentive package.

In addition to investing the $1 billion needed to qualify for the state incentive, the company will have to commit a minimum of 15 years to stay in Kansas, according to the Kansas Department of Commerce.

“We have done extensive planning for this expansion because we anticipated the increasing need for our services,” Robinson said in a statement. “With Kansas’ and the Wichita region’s support, we have the thorough plans, long-term experience and proven record to grow our country’s share of this important market.”

Integra said that local and regional partnerships, support and workforce development are critical for the company’s CHIPS for America application. The company has been working with Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas to develop a workforce outreach and training plan, Robinson said.

“Our collective plan is especially focused on working with community partners to provide outreach and training paths for individuals and groups that may have barriers to employment,” Robinson said.