In a decisive step towards strengthening the U.S. semiconductor sector, Hewlett-Packard (HP) has been announced as the recipient of a substantial $50 million grant, courtesy of the federal CHIPS and Science Act. The funds are earmarked for the modernization of HP's facility in Corvallis, to enhance its longstanding production and research capabilities. As KOIN reports, this investment recognizes HP's specialized knowledge in microfluidics and micromechanical systems, marking a strategic move to advance semiconductor technology.
HP's expansion not only promises an upgrade to their infrastructure but also the boon of job creation in the Corvallis area. As noted by OregonLive, the company is set to add 100 new factory jobs, while the construction phase itself is expected to temporarily employ around 150 workers. The ambitions of HP seem to suggest that the groundwork being laid may eventually lead to a more expansive production line presence in Corvallis.
HP's ties to Corvallis are deep-seated, tracing back to the invention of the inkjet printer at that very site. The facility today continues to serve as a nucleus of the company's research efforts. Highlighting Oregon's contribution to technological innovation, "HP invented its inkjet printer here in Corvallis, and the facility still remains one of the company’s leading research posts, contributing to our state’s leadership in technological innovation," said a statement by Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives, as per the Statesman Journal. The injection of federal funds signals a broader initiative by the Biden-Harris administration to enhance the semiconductor industry's infrastructure. More than $32 billion in proposed funding has been announced across 16 states.
With Oregon leading in the semiconductor sector, bolstered by a world-class talent pool and partnerships with higher education, the state is in a unique position to support national security through these advancements. "Oregon is a leader in the semiconductor industry because of our world class talent and strong partnerships with higher education”, Kotek noted, as cited by the Statesman Journal. Following HP's footsteps, Intel also received substantial support with an $8.5 billion federal grant for its Hillsboro campus, fortifying Oregon's standing in the high-tech landscape and providing a model for how federal partnerships can foster industry growth while offering the promise of employment opportunities to local communities.
