Semi-conductors and microchips that power cars, solar panels and cell phones will soon be made in Bay County.
The South Korean based corporation, SK Siltron, opened its newest facility just outside Bay City today. SK Siltron says it will bring 150 new jobs to the region over the next three years and has invested $300 million in the facility.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer attended today’s ribbon cutting ceremony along with several state and local leaders.
"This day was not possible because of luck or because it was destined to be. It was hard work. It was collaboration. It was grit. It was foresight, and it was an incredible investment that SK Siltron is making here." said Whitmer.
The opening of the facility comes shortly after President Biden signed the CHIPS Act to incentivize corporations to build facilities in the U.S.
But state and federal officials confirmed this new facility will not be able to address the immediate demand for cars waiting for chips across the state. Michigan Congressman Dan Kildee says this is a long-term investment.
"I think one of the reasons that it's important to have a long-term strategy is that it provides confidence in the near term, that we're going to own this future that companies that invest in the kind of production that we see here," said Kildee.
A Bay County official says the opening of the facility is the most significant investment project in the history of the community.
