Wolfspeed, Inc. (NYSE: WOLF), a leader in silicon carbide technology, celebrated a significant development at the John Palmour Manufacturing Center. The event, attended by Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and other stakeholders, commemorated the topping out of construction at the $5 billion facility in Chatham County, North Carolina.
The manufacturing center, set to produce 200mm silicon carbide wafers, is poised to bolster Wolfspeed’s materials capacity to meet the escalating demand for next-generation semiconductors crucial to the energy transition and AI advancements.
Gregg Lowe, President and CEO of Wolfspeed, hailed the milestone as a testament to the company’s commitment to the local community and its workforce. He emphasized the facility’s role in advancing America’s energy innovation leadership, projecting significant economic growth and job creation in the region.
Senator Thom Tillis praised Wolfspeed’s investment in North Carolina, highlighting its positive impact on the state’s business landscape and its contributions to technology development, supporting national interests.
The John Palmour Manufacturing Center represents a $5 billion investment, supported by public and private funding, aimed at accelerating the transition to silicon carbide. Phase one of construction, covering the 445-acre site, is on track for completion by the end of 2024.
Upon completion, the facility will cater to customer agreements with industry leaders like Renesas and Infineon, contributing to Wolfspeed’s long-term growth strategy. With a focus on producing 200mm silicon carbide wafers, the facility aims to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness, facilitating silicon carbide semiconductor adoption across various industries and driving energy efficiency.
With its headquarters in Durham, N.C., Wolfspeed is already a significant player in the silicon carbide materials market, with plans for a $6.5 billion capacity expansion effort to meet growing demand.
