EMD Electronics Opens Wisconsin Facility for Semiconductor Innovation
Governor Tony Evers, along with Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary John W. Miller and EMD Electronics leadership, celebrated the opening of a new 38,000-square-foot research and development facility in Sheboygan Falls. This facility is part of a $200 million investment by EMD Electronics, the North American arm of Merck KGaA, to boost its capabilities in developing advanced materials for semiconductor manufacturing. The project is expected to create 44 new high-paying jobs upon completion.
The new facility focuses on critical sectors like semiconductors, which are advancing toward complex architectures. It includes eight laboratories supporting various stages of product development, from discovery to hazard testing. The site will enable closer collaboration with customers, accelerating the transition from early-stage development to commercial production.
WEDC is supporting the expansion with up to $4.5 million in performance-based tax credits, contingent on capital investment and job creation. Secretary Miller highlighted the importance of Wisconsin’s skilled workforce and manufacturing foundation in the semiconductor industry’s future. The facility also emphasizes sustainability, aiming for LEED Gold certification and powered by renewable energy sources like geothermal heating and cooling.
This investment is part of EMD Electronics’ broader $1 billion, five-year plan to strengthen its innovation and manufacturing capabilities in the U.S., including expansions in California and Oklahoma.