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by Matt Talhelm – March 26, 2024.
Semiconductor chipmaker Wolfspeed is moving at lightning speed to get this new factory up and running in Chatham County.
No cameras were allowed inside this high-security facility, but WRAL News was able to conduct a tour. He was allowed to see for himself how the site will supply the chips that will power everything from electric cars to synthetic intelligence.
Wolfspeed held a rite of completion Tuesday with this new metal beam fixed in the air at the Chatham County plant. The first metal arrived here nine months ago.
“It’s exciting to see the wonderful plans we’ve made and the leadership we have, so we’re in a position to meet this moment,” said Michael Smith, Chatham County’s director of economic development. “It took us years to prepare. “
Today, this 2 million-square-foot facility.
More than 2,000 employees will be there to build the John Palmour Silicon Carbide Manufacturing Center, or JP as they call it. Wolfspeed said it would be the world’s largest silicon carbide plant.
“Toyota will make a multibillion-dollar investment,” said Sen. Thom Tillis. “VinFast. Wolf speed. Tens of billions of dollars are at stake in North Carolina’s economy and our ability to produce labor.
Inside the plant, the company is already developing high-security silicon carbide crystals. There are huge corridors that look like highways.
It will be more than 80% automated with self-driving cars and robots moving fabrics and products. At JP, Wolfspeed will manufacture silicon carbide wafers for semiconductor chips.
These chips will force electric vehicles. The company already has agreements with Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar Land Rover and General Motors.
“We’re pushing the boundaries of our silicone carbide generation so that you get the maximum miles consistent with the rate of all those electric vehicles,” said Shawn Lilly, Wolfspeed’s director of facilities.
Wolfspeed plans to increase its production by 2025.
This facility has the space where Wolfspeed can grow in stages over the course of a decade.
The company said it would increase its curtain production capacity by up to 10 times.
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