Hemlock Semiconductor Operations will modernize and expand operations in Thomas Township, Michigan. The $375 million project is expected to create 170 jobs.

The investment will help meet the increasing global demand for hyper-pure polysilicon in the semiconductor and solar industries.

“We built our global reputation on the ability to stay at the forefront of high-tech polysilicon production for the critical semiconductor and solar industries,” said Hemlock Semiconductor Operations Chairman and CEO AB Ghosh. “This investment in local infrastructure supports HSC’s ability to improve and expand our operations and helps us remain globally competitive. Today’s announcement proves Michigan is serious about prioritizing the growth of high-tech businesses. We thank Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for ensuring the U.S. leads in crucial, silicon-enabled technologies.”

In support of these needed expansions, Thomas Township received Michigan Strategic Fund approval of a $27 million Strategic Site Readiness Program (SSRP) performance-based grant. The SSRP grant will be funded through the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) Fund.

“Hemlock Semiconductor’s investments in Michigan will create more good jobs in the Saginaw region and empower us to continue building and leading semiconductor production in our state,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Thanks to HSC’s continued investment in our state, which spans decades, Michigan will stay at the forefront of high-tech polysilicon production for the critical semiconductor and solar industries. The impact of this investment will be felt around the entire state for decades to come and build on our economic momentum as work to lead the future of this transformational industry right here in Michigan,” she added.

In addition to enabling HSC’s investments, the township infrastructure upgrades will create additional needed infrastructure capacity in Thomas and Saginaw Townships, resulting in expansion opportunities at the Great Lakes Tech Park, a 244-acre shovel-ready site owned by the Saginaw County Economic Development Corporation. The park was developed by Saginaw Future through Community Development Block Grant funds approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund in 2009.

Thomas Township anticipates approval of a property tax abatement valued at $20.5 million in support of the project. The Saginaw Road Commission has applied for a $650,000 Transportation Economic Development Fund grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation, and Saginaw Township has received a $10 million legislative appropriation.

“Hemlock Semiconductor is one the region’s largest employers and taxpayers and is in an industry that impacts customers around the globe,” said JoAnn Crary, President of Saginaw Future Inc. “We are so pleased with the solutions-based incentive package provided by the state and are excited to move this transformational development forward. We are also thrilled that this investment will increase the site readiness of the Great Lakes Tech Park.”

Hemlock Semiconductor is the largest and only producer of hyper-pure polysilicon headquartered in the United States. Founded in 1961, the company is owned by Corning Inc. and Shin-Etsu Handotai.