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.
“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.”
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 to help with the project.
“HSC’s investment underscores the strength of the workforce within our state’s high-tech manufacturing workforce and secures a critical win as we continue working to attract long-term, sustainable investments from semiconductor companies around the world. This transformational investment will create good jobs and economic opportunity for Michiganders for years to come,” said MEDC CEO and Michigan Strategic Fund President and Chair Quentin Messer Jr. “We are grateful for the support of our legislative partners in bringing transformational projects like these to communities throughout Michigan. Today’s announcement demonstrates our strong partnerships at the local and regional level and ensures that Michigan’s economic recovery is experienced by all 10 million of our friends and neighbors.”
Just a month ago, President Joe Biden attended a virtual signing event of the state’s CHIPS Act Executive Directive, hosted at HSC’s operations. President Biden was joined at HSC’s manufacturing facility by Gov. Whitmer and Congressman Dan Kildee as well as Hemlock leadership.
The executive directive marks a vital step toward increasing domestic chip production near automakers and other manufacturers helping to spur innovation, reduce inefficiencies and avoid costly delays. By securing a robust semiconductor supply chain in the state – anchored by existing Michigan companies including SK Siltron CSS, KLA and Calumet Electronics along with HSC – Michigan hopes to attract long-term, sustainable investments from companies around the world.
