MICRON MODERNIZING DOMESTIC SUPPLY
Last week, Micron Technology announced a new $2.17 billion investment to expand and modernize its current Manassas, Virginia, site to support future semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. The project includes modernization of the 22-year-old production facility catered toward producing DRAM memory in order to get ahead of rising demand from U.S. automotive, aerospace, defense and other industrial markets. “As the only U.S.-based manufacturer of memory, Micron is uniquely positioned to bring state-of-the-present memory manufacturing to the U.S., strengthening the country’s technology leadership and fostering advanced innovation,” said Micron President and CEO Sanjay Mehrotra. “Micron’s investments in domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, supported by the bipartisan CHIPS Act and the incentives offered by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the City of Manassas, will help drive economic growth and ensure that the U.S. remains at the forefront of technological advancements.” Micron is eligible to receive up to $70 million from the Virginia General Assembly’s Major Employment and Investment Project Approval Commission, in addition to workforce support through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, as the company anticipates creating 340 new jobs through the expansion.
A FIRST FOR SOUTH KOREAN BATTERY COMPANY
To support Ford Motor Company’s BlueOval City operations in Haywood County, Tennessee, the South Korea-based aluminum extrusion and nonferrous materials company ALUKO Group will soon make its way to the state. A $36.2 million investment will establish the company’s first ever U.S. operations to be located in Jackson, Tennessee, about 33 miles from Ford’s BlueOval City site. It is here that ALUKO will produce aluminum battery casings in line with Ford’s automotive material supply needs, creating 55 new jobs once operational. “On behalf of the ALUKO Group, I am delighted to announce our strategic investment in Tennessee, which marks a significant milestone as we expand into the North American market,” said ALUKO Group Chairman Do-Bong Park. “This partnership underscores our commitment to mutual growth and success, and we are deeply grateful for the invaluable support and collaboration of the Tennessee state government. We eagerly anticipate a thriving future for both the ALUKO Group and the state of Tennessee.”
Photo courtesy of Amazon Web Services
INVESTMENT BOOST TO BUCKEYE STATE
Amazon Web Services (AWS) will now build upon its previously announced $7.8 billion investment for Ohio-based data centers by boosting its cloud computing and AI projects in the state with an addition $10 billion. By the end of 2030, the company anticipates bringing eight data centers online across Ohio with the first of these locations set in Fayette County. “Today, we reaffirm our long-term commitment to Ohio with plans to invest an additional $10 billion to expand our data center infrastructure in greater Ohio to drive innovation in AI for customers,” said AWS Vice President of Economic Development Roger Wehner. on December 16. “Since 2015, AWS has invested more than $10.3 billion in the state and currently supports more than 4,760 jobs annually. This expanded investment is expected to create new, well-paying jobs, boost Ohio’s GDP, and further cement our partnership with the state. We are also proud to continue expanding the reach of workforce development and educational programs that equip Ohio’s next generation of tech talent through strong public and private partnerships.” The new data centers will house computer servers, data storage drives, networking equipment and various technology infrastructure. Over the next five years, AWS’ total investment in the state is expected to reach $23 billion in addition to the creation of hundreds of new jobs.
Reports compiled and written by Alexis Elmore