State Rep. Matthew Bierlein today said planned manufacturing investments for the greater Saginaw region will bring more jobs to the area, bolster domestic supply chains while reducing reliance on foreign countries, and position Michigan as a technological leader.

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced up to $325 million in proposed direct funding to Hemlock Semiconductor for expanded manufacturing capability. The company is the only one headquartered in the U.S. that produces hyper-pure polysilicon, which is used for semiconductor chips.

“I have long been an advocate of unleashing Michigan’s manufacturing capability, and it’s encouraging to see these resources come to our region where they will be used to create jobs and grow our infrastructure,” said Bierlein, of Vassar. “These are the types of investments we should be pursuing. They keep tax dollars right here at home, increase domestic production and prioritize our national security. This is a big win for our region and Saginaw County.”

The U.S. imports billions of dollars worth of semiconductor chips from several countries each year – including China, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and others – and manufactures only about 10 percent of the global chip supply. Advanced chips are solely developed overseas, mostly in Taiwan.

To address this gross imbalance, increased emphasis has been placed on bringing vital supply chains and cutting-edge jobs to the U.S. while ultimately lowering costs. The CHIPS and Science Act was signed into law at the federal level in 2022 to spur investment and boost research, development and production.

“America invented the semiconductor, but outsources almost all of its production,” Bierlein said. “Our state and region helped bring the world the automobile and we’ve shown our manufacturing prowess. With critical technologies like what is developed at Hemlock Semiconductor, we can own the future in this vital sector with workers right here in Michigan and throughout Saginaw County.”