Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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November 05, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE?
November?5, 2021?
Contact:?press@michigan.gov??
Gov. Whitmer Joins KLA Corporation for Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Ann Arbor to Strengthen Michigan's Semiconductor Industry
Second headquarters plans to create 600 good-paying jobs, build strength and new opportunities in Michigan's semiconductor industry and supply chain
LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined business, state, and local officials to celebrate the grand opening of KLA Corporation's permanent headquarters in Ann Arbor, thanking the global semiconductor company for its continued investment in Michigan.
"We applaud KLA's strong and ongoing commitment to our state as we continue Michigan's economic jumpstart," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "The company's tremendous success in Michigan is further evidence that Michigan remains a place where high-tech talent needs can be met and companies of all kinds can grow. We thank KLA for its vote of confidence in our state and our workforce."
"KLA's investment in Michigan is a clear example of how high-tech companies are finding opportunities to grow in the state and are playing a key role in the ongoing economic recovery efforts," said?Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and President and Chair of the MSF Board.? "KLA has been a great corporate partner helping to demonstrate the pure opportunity for businesses here in Michigan, and we look forward to working with the company as it continues to grow and add jobs here."
Silicon Valley-based KLA Corporation announced plans in October 2018 to establish a second headquarters in Ann Arbor, leading to the creation of 500 high-tech jobs and $70 million of private investment. The project was supported by a Good Jobs for Michigan withholding tax capture for up to eight years and a $1.5-million Michigan Business Development Program Performance-based grant.
In 2019, KLA announced its decision to more than double its initial investment amount to $150 million and create an additional 100 jobs at the new R&D facility, bringing the total number of planned employees up to 600. The company has hired more than 330 people to date and made a total investment of $200 million, with hiring exceeding all benchmarks.
"Our partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation?has been instrumental in?enabling KLA to?serve?our?global customer base?from the new headquarters?and benefit from the impressive engineering talent and business culture that Michigan offers," said Rick Wallace, president and CEO of KLA. "KLA has been part of the most significant technological breakthroughs?throughout?its 45-year history.?As we continue?our journey at the forefront of semiconductor technology,?we're thrilled?that Ann Arbor and the state of Michigan are now part of our story."?
The 230,000-square-foot facility is situated on 18 acres in Ann Arbor Township, where it houses innovative engineering teams and corporate functions including supply chain, procurement, IT, finance, legal and human resources. The campus includes a cleanroom to support the research and development of semiconductor tools, green roof, and soaring atrium, with employee amenities including a cafeteria, coffee shop, fitness center and woodland trail.
KLA considered more than 350 North American locations before choosing Michigan, citing the area's attractive business climate, logistical assets, and rich talent base as just a few of the reasons for deciding to locate in Ann Arbor.
Michigan is among the top states in the nation for semiconductor-related manufacturing, with industry jobs growing 12 percent between 2015-2020. Michigan's automotive industry purchased nearly $35 million in products and services from semiconductor companies in Michigan in 2020. As Michigan also continues leading the mobility industry in the development of electric and autonomous vehicles, demand for semiconductor equipment manufacturers like KLA is expected to skyrocket over the coming years.
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