GUNNING FOR GALLIUM NITRIDE
Infineon Technologies has selected Austria to establish the world’s first high-volume next-generation gallium nitride (GaN) power semiconductor manufacturing facility. In doing so, the company will invest $1.2 billion to upgrade existing cleanroom facilities at its Villach site in southern Austria, enabling a highly efficient and cost-effective production capacity expansion of GaN power semiconductors on 300-millimeter wafers. Infineon was the first to produce the 300-millimeter GaN wafers two years ago, and the power supply solution is utilized across various applications such as AI data centers, energy infrastructure, e-mobility, robotics and consumer electronics. Producing these wafers is more intense and advanced than 200-millimeter wafer production and as global demand grows, this investment strengthens Villach’s position as a global competence center for power electronics. The European Commission is supporting the expansion with $356 million in state aid under the European Chips Act. Production is slated to begin in 2027, while cleanroom upgrades are anticipated to be complete by 2034.
Photo courtesy of Honeywell Aerospace
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF AVIATION
A new $500 million aerospace facility expansion is heading to Tempe, Arizona, as Honeywell Aerospace looks to address growing demand across its commercial and defense programs. Located near the company’s global HQ, the expanded site will include an integrated production system, modular robotics, automated inspection, digital twins and will be powered by an end-to-end digital thread. The company plans to open its newly expanded 300,000 sq. ft. facility by 2028, introducing a more vertically integrated production system. “Demand for technology from Honeywell Aerospace continues to accelerate across both commercial and defense markets, and this major investment ensures we can continue delivering for our customers while unlocking long-term growth for our shareholders,” said Honeywell Aerospace President and CEO Jim Currier. “This is an example of how our recent spin into an independent, publicly traded Honeywell Aerospace allows us to make decisions and investments that support our growth and the future of aviation and defense.”
Photo: Getty Images
SANFORD STANDS OUT
Last week, a global leader in diagnostic imaging announced that North Carolina would gain the company’s first U.S. manufacturing facility. Italy-based Bracco selected the City of Sanford for its $230 million injectable contrast media plant, complementing global operations in Asia, Canada and Europe. The U.S. is currently Bracco’s largest market and requires a stronger supply chain. North Carolina’s workforce, established life sciences ecosystem and supportive advanced manufacturing environment were among the key factors that attracted the company to the region. This new plant will aid the company’s global strategy and increase production capacity to enable faster response to consumer demand and support reliable access to injectable contrast media. “For almost 100 years, Bracco has been guided by one purpose: improving people’s lives. The United States is our largest market and home to many of the patients we serve,” said Bracco Imaging Vice Chairman and CEO Fulvio Renoldi Bracco. “Producing injectable contrast media here in Sanford brings our supply closer to American hospitals and patients and makes it even more resilient.”
Reports compiled and written by Alexis Elmore
