A major step in controlling the global chip shortage is being built in Michigan. Semiconductor chips have been in short supply around the world for two years. These chips are used in a variety of machines, vehicles and electronics.
The world needs them to be made more quickly. A company is reinvesting in Michigan to do just that.
Bringing companies to Michigan, and keeping the ones that they have, has been a main focus of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s administration, especially if those companies can help position Michigan for the future. Right now in a global semiconductor chip shortage, they are hoping SK Siltron’s new plant in Bay County will do just that. New plants and companies coming here are a long-term solution for a problem that’s peaking right now.
“These are the chips we rely on and are desperately looking for over the last few years,” said Gov. Whitmer.
Thursday morning the ribbon was cut on a new plant for SK Siltron that will create 150 jobs and much needed semiconductor chips. The South Korean company picked Michigan for a plant for the third time.
“We’re showing the world what Michigan is capable of,” said Whitmer during her remarks.
The semiconductor chip shortage is one of the main supply chain issue drivers worldwide. New cars, especially electric vehicles, sit partially built waiting for these chips.
This new local plant will be helpful, once it gets up and running.
“The chip shortage in the next couple years is still going to be difficult but what we would hate to do is look back a couple years from now and realize that we didn’t do what we could’ve done, to make the future so much brighter,” said Rep. Dan Kildee.
Companies like this are what Whitmer is trying to bring, the state has invested a billion dollars in attracting them. In a statement Thursday morning, House Appropriation Chair Tim Alberts says he wants to slow down that spending.
“I don’t share that view,” said Whitmer.
And spending in general. With a looming recession Rep. Alberts asks for a pause on any more supplemental budgets this fall.
“We didn’t win projects because they just happened,” said Whitmer. “This is hard work.”
The state has billions of dollars waiting to be spent, or saved. The lines being drawn on who wants to do what.
“I need legislative partners that are going to work with me, to make sure that we continue that,” said Whitmer, “We’ve done great things together in very tough circumstances. I think this is our moment to put our foot on the accelerator.”
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