Edwards Semiconductor Secures $18M for Advanced Vacuum Technology Plant in New York

The U.S. Department of Commerce and Edwards Vacuum have officially signed a preliminary memorandum of terms under the CHIPS and Science Act, granting up to $18 million to support the construction of a new manufacturing plant in Genesee County, New York. This strategic investment aims to bolster the U.S. semiconductor supply chain by establishing domestic production of dry vacuum pumps, a critical component for semiconductor fabrication.

Located within the Western New York Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (WNY STAMP), the facility is set to create approximately 600 new jobs and is expected to become a key supplier for the U.S. semiconductor industry. The dry vacuum pumps produced at this site will ensure controlled environments required in semiconductor manufacturing, addressing a significant gap in domestic capabilities.

Bringing dry vacuum pump manufacturing to U.S. soil is a monumental step toward strengthening national security and economic resilience. As it stands, no domestic production of semiconductor-grade dry vacuum pumps exists, making this development pivotal in reducing dependency on foreign suppliers and securing a more robust supply chain.

The facility is designed to meet environmental sustainability standards, aiming for LEED certification and operating primarily on renewable energy sources. Edwards Vacuum, a subsidiary of the Atlas Copco Group, has committed to an initial investment of $127 million for the first phase, with a total projected investment of $319 million over seven years. Operations are expected to commence in late 2025.

This collaboration highlights the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing efforts to revitalize U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and advance the nation's technological competitiveness on the global stage.