Pure Wafer expands production of microchip wafers

Spurred by the passage of the $280 billion bipartisan bill to spur domestic investment and expansion of high-tech manufacturing and production, executives at Pure Wafer, a Prescott-based leader in services silicon wafers, thin film deposition and wafer retrieval, announced plans for further expansion.

Ardy Sidhwa, Ph.D., Vice President of Operations of Pure Wafer, in exclusive comments to Flagstaff Business News, said the company is investing millions of dollars in finding better, more efficient and faster ways to meet growing domestic and international demands. The 50,000 square foot plant, located at 2575 Melville Road on the east side of the Prescott Regional Airport, has been producing wafers and reclaimed wafers for the microchip industries since 1998. Yet many local residents are not unaware of the company’s activities, even with expansions.

Sidhwa and Pure Wafer CEO S. Mark Borowicz are excited about the opportunities currently opening up due to the growing semiconductor renaissance in Arizona.

Sidhwa cited the CHIPS and Science Acts of 2022, signed on August 9, which are expected to create manufacturing jobs and allow American manufacturing, supply chains and research and development in the United States to add 50 billion dollars of investment in American semiconductor manufacturing.

In addition, the CHIPS Act legislation is expected to further lower the costs of chips and is expected to reduce the costs of products in which chips and wafers are used.

Sidhwa pointed out that chips and semiconductors are “the tiny brains found in all sorts of contemporary products, from computers and automobiles to household appliances and weapon systems.”

Sidhwa was even more excited about Pure Wafer’s growing business in life sciences, photonics and micro-electromagnetic systems when it acquired NOEL Technologies. It is a Silicon Valley foundry that develops innovative semiconductors and biochips. The company bridges the innovation gap, often serving as an extension of research and development.

He said: “More and more scientists and medical personnel are finding creative applications for microchips and biochips that can then be used to help people find cures and fight diseases that ultimately improve the quality of life. The use of semiconductor technology applications through artificial intelligence applications is staggering. We are generations ahead of where we were 10 years ago.

He pointed out that what is really significant is that these applications are now more approved internationally.

“What we want to do in Prescott is increase our production, even up to 20 to 40%. At the same time, we are improving the production efficiency of what we make. For example, we have become more efficient in the use of water. Same thing with chemicals. Same thing with electricity. We significantly reduce emissions and pollution. We take great pride in having absolutely purified air and sterile water.

The increased production will allow Pure Wafer to expand its already large customer base of 1,600 integrated device manufacturers (IDMs) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

The company has a growing customer base in North America, Asia and Europe.

Arizona State University (ASU) President Michel Crow is also an advocate for expanding the semiconductor industry in the state. He said ASU is well positioned to provide the skilled talent needed, with 30,000 students currently enrolled in the engineering school.

Sidhwa admits that it is sometimes difficult to find a good workforce. Because Pure Wafer operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and because it grows so rapidly, recruiting a reliable workforce is an ongoing challenge. Additionally, because Pure Wafer has its original plant in Prescott and two other manufacturing plants in San Jose and Campbell, Calif., called Noel Technologies, the demand for labor continues to grow, Sidhwa said. Last month’s report from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the creation of 528,000 new jobs.

Pure Wafer offers short and long-term insurance plans, disability plans, medical insurance, on-the-job training and career advancement opportunities to attract skilled workers.

“The financial incentives now available will further accelerate as Pure Wafer is the most advanced wafer recovery company in the country,” Sidhwa said. “We are proud of that.” NBF

By Ray Newton, FBN