One year after completing $300 million in capital improvements to its O’Fallon, Missouri, manufacturing facility, silicon wafer manufacturer MEMC and parent company GlobalWafers Co., Ltd. announced this week that they have secured $400 million in competitive investment made available by the federal CHIPS and Science Act. After a global search in 2021, MEMC and GlobalWafers chose to expand in Missouri, thanks in part to the support they received from Greater St. Louis, Inc., the State of Missouri, Missouri Department of Economic Development, the City of O’Fallon, Ameren Missouri, and Spire.
Wafers manufactured by MEMC are a critical component of computer chips used in industries ranging from telecommunications to automotive and aerospace. The company’s original project expanded wafer production during an acute global chip shortage, adding capacity for 300mm silicon-on-insulator wafer manufacturing and creating 100 new jobs. This new funding will create 500 construction jobs and an additional 130 high-paid permanent jobs at the site — all while continuing to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S.
“Anytime you can get 130 high-tech jobs in a cutting-edge part of technology in a much-needed globally demanded product, that’s a great thing for your community,” said Scott Drachnik, President and CEO of the St. Charles County Economic Development Council. “It’s good for our county, for the metro area, and for the rest of the country.”
Over the last few years, the St. Louis metro has seen a resurgence in advanced manufacturing — an industry sector identified by the STL 2030 Jobs Plan as key to inclusive economic growth — including a $1.8 billion investment by Boeing, a $1.5 billion investment by General Motors, an $800 million investment by American Foods Group, a $500 million investment by ICL, and more.
To support workforce development efforts, MEMC is developing an apprenticeship program for Maintenance Technicians with the National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement and local high schools. Further, MEMC is collaborating with St. Charles Community College on a program named MegaTech which supports dual-enrolled high school students as they step into careers involving advanced manufacturing and automation.
