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II-VI EpiWorks Announces Major Expansion in Champaign
II-VI EpiWorks has announced a major expansion in Champaign – a new state-of-the-art production facility. The expansion is expected to be complete by mid-2017 and will enable a quadrupling of capacity in Champaign over the next three years. This project will bring 100+ new high tech jobs to our area.
“EpiWorks is a true community success story,” said Craig Rost, Executive Director of the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation. “The company started here in Champaign-Urbana at the University of Illinois, eventually graduating from EnterpriseWorks tech incubator in UI Research Park, and growing to a facility in Champaign. The acquisition of EpiWorks by II-VI, a leader in semiconductor lasers, expanded their market and production capability and gave our community a chance to grow a high tech employer. Their expansion here in Champaign County will add 120 new tech and engineering jobs and create a real boost to the local economy.”
“We had the pleasure of working with the II-VI EpiWorks team on their expansion plans,” said Rost. “We helped secure an EDGE Tax Credit for the company through the Illinois Department of Commerce.”
From the press release:
II-VI EpiWorks Undergoing Major Expansion
Champaign, IL, November 28, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – The II-VI EpiWorks Division of II‐VI Incorporated (NASDAQ:IIVI), a leading provider of compound semiconductor epitaxial wafers, today announced that it is breaking ground on a new state-of-the-art production facility in Champaign, Illinois.
The expansion is expected to be complete by mid-2017 and will enable a quadrupling of capacity in Champaign over the next three years. In addition to substantial epitaxial wafer production space, the new cleanroom will house a state-of-the-art wafer characterization and test laboratory. To operate the new facility, EpiWorks is actively recruiting experienced managers, engineers and technicians. This aggressive expansion enhances EpiWorks’ leadership position in the global compound semiconductor industry, supporting the performance and volume requirements for several key components that enable multiple growing markets. These include InP and GaAs-based optoelectronic communication components for cloud computing and datacenters, VCSELs for 3D sensing and next generation wide bandgap devices for 5G wireless infrastructure.
“High-performance compound semiconductors are required to meet the performance needs of modern communication networks, sensors, smartphones, wireless communications networks, and datacenters. Our technology is being adopted in many applications, and we are ensuring that our capacity continues to meet customer demand now and in the future,” said Giovanni Barbarossa, Chief Technical Officer and President of the Laser Solutions Segment. “The new capacity will support our RF and photonics businesses, and we will have more resources to research and develop new materials and products.”
“Immediately after merging with II-VI in February, we ordered three new MOCVD production tools and filled our current cleanroom space. These systems have already been installed, and we have now moved into the next phase of growth by expanding our cleanroom space, launching an aggressive hiring plan, and working to build the industry’s most technologically advanced and efficient manufacturing line.” said Quesnell Hartmann and David Ahmari, co-founders of II-VI EpiWorks.
“It is great to see EpiWorks continue to grow and create jobs in Illinois,” Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner said. “This company has a strong Illinois history, having been founded by University of Illinois alumni. EpiWorks’ success in Illinois is a testament to our state’s research universities, the ingenuity of our workforce, and the innovative community in Champaign Urbana. We hope to continue to be a partner with them to help grow their business within our borders and build upon this success.”
About II-VI Incorporated
II-VI Incorporated, a global leader in engineered materials and opto-electronic components, is a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets.About II-VI EpiWorks
II-VI EpiWorks develops and manufactures compound semiconductor epitaxial wafers for application in optical components, wireless devices and high-speed communication systems. The company’s products provide these applications additional performance, such as greater bandwidth, higher power efficiency and better reliability. To learn more about EpiWorks visit www.epiworks.com.CONTACT:
Dawn Sandone
217-531-6514
dawn.sandone@ii-vi.com
www.epiworks.com
View photos & video from the groundbreaking ceremony on November 28, 2016.
Press:
II-VI EpiWorks celebrates groundbreaking for upcoming major expansion, Smile Politely
II-VI EpiWorks Undergoing Major Expansion, The Wall Street Journal
Local High-Tech Company Expands Production Worldwide, FOX 55/27 Illinois
II-VI EpiWorks Breaks Ground On New US Production Facility, Compound Semiconductor
EpiWorks breaks ground on production expansion and wafer characterization and test lab, Semiconductor Today
II-VI breaks ground on VCSEL site expansion, optics.org