Edwards Vacuum, a division of Atlas Copco, is set to commence construction on the first phase of its new $319m dry pump manufacturing facility in Alabama, Genesee County, US.
This ground-breaking milestone marks major progress towards the facility’s opening.
The technology crafted at the new facility is claimed to be crucial in managing the delicate conditions required for semiconductor production.
The initial phase of the 240,000ft² campus, valued at $127m, will house manufacturing, warehousing, and administrative spaces, with the capacity to produce 10,000 dry pumps annually.
The facility, designed to be all-electric, will pursue Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and its power will be sourced from hydroelectricity.
Currently, Edwards manufactures its dry pumps in Asia, but the shift to the US is anticipated to offer reduced delivery times, enhanced service, and lower carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions for its American customers.
Edwards projects that the site's operational phase one will cut CO₂ emissions by 13,000 tonnes annually.
This move also aligns with recent legislative developments, including New York’s Green CHIPS Act and the federal CHIPS and Science Act, which influenced Edwards Vacuum's investment decision.
Empire State Development has granted Edwards up to $21m in performance-based incentives, including Excelsior Jobs Tax Credits and Investment Tax Credits, contingent on the creation of 600 jobs.
An additional $1m is allocated for workforce development and training initiatives.
Moreover, the New York Power Authority is contributing with a 4.9MW low-cost Niagara hydropower allocation and a 2.1MW High Load Factor power allocation procured on the energy market for Edwards.
New York governor Kathy Hochul said: “Edwards Vacuum’s commitment to Upstate New York will create 600 good-paying jobs and attract additional investment in both Western New York and the Finger Lakes regions.
“Between New York’s Green CHIPS Program and the federal CHIPS and Science Act, we’re empowering a manufacturing resurgence in our state, ensuring we're positioned as a global hub for innovation and the epicentre of semiconductor manufacturing nationwide.”
