'Topping Off' Ceremony at Cree/Wolfspeed's SiC fab
Construction of world's largest SiC manufacturing facility on schedule for production in 2022
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced the 'topping off' of Cree | Wolfspeed's brand new, state-of-the-art, automotive-qualified and 200mm-capable power and radio frequency SiC wafer fabrication facility at the Marcy Nanocenter, which is located on the SUNY Polytechnic Institute campus near Utica.
Empire State Development's acting Ccmmissioner, president and CEO Eric Gertler, alongside executive members from Cree | Wolfspeed, Oneida County and Empire State Development, joined distinguished guests in commemorating the placement of the final steel beam atop the new fab. This symbolises a major construction milestone for the project, which remains on schedule for production to begin in 2022.
"This milestone is proof of our commitment to the Mohawk Valley and is another step towards strengthening the research and scientific assets that New York needs to attract high-tech industries and build back better," Governor Cuomo said. "Cree | Wolfspeed has already proven to be a great partner, and we are proud to have them establish roots in the region as we continue to support and grow the advanced manufacturing infrastructure of New York State."
"The Mohawk Valley is leading the way in technology and innovation with new investments and opportunities," Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said. "The progress at the SiC wafer fab at the Marcy Nanocenter will further advance wafer fabrication and production in the state. This significant investment will create hundreds of new jobs and provide internship and research opportunities for students in the area. The construction project is a testament to our efforts to build back better and strengthen the economy in the Mohawk Valley and across the state."
Cree CEO Gregg Lowe said, "All involved in this project should be proud of where we are today - from Cree | Wolfspeed employees, to our vendors, New York State, generous community partners and the residents who have welcomed us into this amazing community. SiC is at the forefront of green technologies - including electric vehicles, renewable energy and energy storage - that will greatly reduce greenhouse gases. The technology that will be created at this fab - right here in your backyard - will power our customers to build a brighter future that is sustainable for all."
SUNY chancellor Jim Malatras said, "Today's ceremony is a symbolization of the foundation and partnership we are continuing to cultivate with Cree, who has been working closely with SUNY Polytechnic Institute to help our students excel in STEM leadership positions through hands-on learning internships. We are proud to collaborate with what will be the world's largest SiC fabrication facility in Marcy by way of the Wolfspeed project, and know that upon its completion the Mohawk Valley will reap the benefits of this workforce development initiative and added jobs."
Cree | Wolfspeed has taken many steps forward since announcing it would build its newest facility in New York State. Currently, the company has 40 full-time employees in New York and had 24 interns this past summer from local universities throughout the state. Cree also has multiple job openings listed for the fab, which include engineering and technician-related positions.
Additionally, Cree announced in July that it will establish the "Cree | Wolfspeed Scholarship" program and endowed chairs as part of its ongoing, long-term commitment to the Mohawk Valley to help expand the local economy and develop a pipeline of high-tech professionals. The program is designed to educate the next-generation, high-tech workforce by increasing student opportunities in STEM education and graduation rates, as well as by providing access to funds to assist students in advancing their education.
Cree | Wolfspeed has committed to investing at least $1 billion through the construction of the fab, creating over 600 new jobs within eight years and will provide internships and research opportunities for State University of New York students. SUNY has also committed to match up to $5 million in semiconductor-related research funding from Cree | Wolfspeed for the SUNY system.
New York State is providing $500 million in performance-based, capital grants from Empire State Development to reimburse a portion of Cree | Wolfspeed's costs of construction and fitting out the new facility and acquiring and installing machinery and equipment, as well as $1 million in Excelsior Jobs tax credits.
