EMD Electronics expands production in Arizona
CHANDLER, AZ – EMD Electronics, the electronics business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt (Germany) in the United States and Canada, celebrated the opening of its new manufacturing facility in Chandler, Arizona.
The factory opening is part of the “Level Up” growth program announced at the end of 2021. The facility features a 75,000-square-foot building that doubles the company’s U.S. manufacturing capacity to produce equipment for its Delivery Systems and Services (DS&S) business, which provides delivery as well as high-quality storage of specialty chemicals and gases.
The US$39 million investment in the new facility is the company’s largest ever in its semiconductor equipment and services business, which has become a key growth driver.
The groundbreaking was attended by Governor Katie Hobbs and Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke. Industry leaders and representatives from the city, Chamber of Commerce, among others.
“The grand opening of EMD Electronics is yet another example of Arizona’s new era as a center of innovation and technology,” said Governor Hobbs.
Kai Beckmann, member of the Board of Management of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and CEO of EMD Electronics, said the long-term outlook for the global semiconductor market is strong, as is the company’s commitment to expand capabilities and services.
“We are excited about the growth trajectory of our Delivery Systems & Services business, and proud to open a new facility in Arizona and strengthen our presence in this premier destination for semiconductor production,” Beckmann said.
Katherine Dei Cas, director of the company’s Delivery Systems & Services business unit, noted that increasing manufacturing capabilities and advancing the workforce strategy will continue to keep pace with customers as the semiconductor ecosystem continues to expand.
As the industry ramps up semiconductor production to keep pace with anticipated demand, the investment in the new plant will complement the company’s ability to support customer expansion plans and ensure resiliency and reliability of supply.
With an efficient manufacturing design for optimal product performance, the new factory doubles Merck’s manufacturing capacity to produce its GASGUARD® and CHEMGUARD® systems in the United States, the site features a 75,000 square foot building, a 6,000 square foot clean room and a 2,000 square foot training center. The training center is designed to support manufacturing and service onboarding.
Manufacturing operations at the new site began in June 2023. Since then, the workforce has grown to more than 100 employees. As part of its workforce strategy, EMD Electronics maintains strong relationships with universities and a veterans program to foster industry talent and its own.