By Katrenia Busch
BAY CITY – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Flint) joined business, state, and local officials in celebrating the opening of SK Siltron’s new facility on Straits Drive in Bay City.
“I am proud that Michigan was selected for this $300 million investment over several other states,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. “Proving that we have the skilled workforce, growing economy, and strong business-friendly environment conducive to attract projects from one of the world’s most innovative companies.”
Michigan was chosen over sites in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas for this multimillion-dollar venture.
“I will work with anyone to keep bringing supply chains home, building on our high-tech manufacturing leadership and creating opportunities for Michiganders in every region,” said Whitmer. “The jobs are expected to include high-tech manufacturing positions ranging from semi-skilled operators to engineers.”
The new facility is expected to create supply chains and reduce shortages.
“SK Siltron’s commitment to Michigan will help us bring the semiconductor supply chain home, cut down shortages and delays, and create good-paying jobs for Michiganders in Bay City,” Whitmer said. “The products SK Siltron manufactures are the building blocks of countless products and industries: electric vehicles, solar panels, smartphones, and so much more. We cannot let China dominate this market.”
Delta College was named the educational partner in training and preparing local workers for the 150 high-paying positions the facility will bring.
Director of Delta College’s Corporate Services Jennifer Carroll said, “Delta College is excited to partner with SK Siltron for the Michigan New Jobs Training Program.”
New Jobs Training Program
“The time for training has never been so great as highly technical businesses need to ensure the expertise of their workforce is in alignment with their processes,” Carroll stated.
Delta can upskill the workforce and support regional businesses using tools like Michigan New Jobs Training Program.
“Delta College has business training programs for roles to fill in skill gap needs,” Carroll said. “Delta offers over 300 technical and organizational development courses for businesses and can custom design a course if needed.”
“Michigan New Jobs Training Program allows businesses to use its resources by sending employees to higher education institutions to seek their degree or apprenticeship training, and also provides for career credential industry certifications,” Carroll said.
Chips and Science Act
Rep. Kildee recently helped pass the Chips and Science Act. The act seeks to bring critical semiconductor manufacturing back to Michigan, boost our domestic economy and strengthen America’s economic competitiveness.
The new law, supported by Republicans and Democrats, contains the congressman’s priorities, including dedicated tax incentives to spur investment in building new semiconductor facilities in Michigan.
Both Whitmer and Kildee are up for re-election in November. Whitmer is running against Tudor Nixon, and Kildee is facing Paul Junge.
“This new manufacturing facility will create good-paying jobs in mid-Michigan and boost American manufacturing,” Kildee said. “With new laws like the CHIPS and Science Act, we’re bringing back manufacturing jobs to Michigan, fixing supply chains, and helping to lower costs for Michigan families. Making wafers and semiconductors here in Michigan will decrease our reliance on foreign-made goods and support good-paying jobs. Michigan has the best workers in the world, and I applaud SK Siltron for expanding their commitment to our community.”
Sk Siltron CSS
SK Siltron CSS’s headquarters are in Auburn, Michigan. The company announced plans to expand production of much-needed silicon carbide wafers in August 2021.
Gov. Whitmer shared that the company acquired and rehabilitated a facility near Bay City in Monitor Township to support its growth.
“Bay County has played an acclaimed and key role in the storied history of the automotive industry in the state of Michigan,” said Trevor Keyes, President and CEO of Bay Future, Inc. “This significant investment and commitment by SK Siltron CSS reinforce that legacy and ensures that our community and state will continue to be at the forefront of mobility, technology, and ingenuity, now and well into the future.”
