October 01, 2022
Wolfspeed, a Durham-based company, is making a substantial $5 billion investment in a new plant located in western Chatham County, North Carolina. This initiative, expected to create 1,802 job opportunities, is significant not only for Wolfspeed but also for the region's economic development. The site for this plant, owned by DH Griffin, a prominent Greensboro businessman, was carefully chosen for its strategic advantages.
The project is supported by state incentives, with Chatham County and Siler City offering tax benefits of over $600 million over the next 20 years. Additionally, the state has approved incentives exceeding $159 million, including grants contingent on Wolfspeed meeting specified investment and employment targets. The federal government is also providing support, with the recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act allocating $52 billion for new chip manufacturing plants in the United States.
Wolfspeed's decision to invest in this plant underscores its commitment to expanding its presence in the semiconductor industry, particularly in the production of silicon carbide chips. These chips are crucial components for electric vehicles (EVs) and are anticipated to become increasingly important as the EV market grows. With industry analysts predicting that silicon carbide chips will comprise more than 20% of the power semiconductor market by 2027, Wolfspeed is positioning itself as a leader in this technology.
The location of the plant is strategic, being in close proximity to other major automotive plants proposed by companies like Toyota and VinFast. This not only facilitates logistical operations but also underscores North Carolina's growing importance in the automotive and clean energy sectors.
Governor Roy Cooper has hailed this investment as a significant milestone in the state's transition towards a clean energy economy. He views Wolfspeed's initiative as a catalyst for job creation, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Overall, the collaboration between Wolfspeed and DH Griffin reflects a broader trend of partnerships between private industry and local government to drive innovation and economic prosperity.
Original Article: https://businessnc.com/nc-trend-wolfspeeds-big-dip-into-chips/