The US Department of Commerce has provisionally agreed to provide silicon carbide semiconductor manufacturer Wolfspeed with up to $750 million in direct funding under the CHIPS and Science Act. The proposed funding would support the construction of a new silicon carbide wafer manufacturing facility in Siler City, North Carolina.
The expansion of Wolfspeed’s New York fab will allow the company to increase its production capacity by around 30 percent, with both projects together expected to provide a five-fold increase in Wolfspeed’s silicon carbide device output and a ten-fold increase in its 200mm materials production capacity.
“We’re grateful for the continued support of Secretary Raimondo and the CHIPS Office throughout this process, as this announcement marks a pivotal milestone in Wolfspeed’s long-term growth strategy and important technology,” said Wolfspeed CEO Gregg Lowe. “As a key player in the semiconductor industry, this proposed funding will enable us to solidify our leadership position with a first-of-a-kind 200mm silicon carbide manufacturing footprint in New York and North Carolina, while contributing to the resilience and competitiveness of the US supply chain.”
