In a recent move to drive the state's semiconductor industry forward, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced a grant of $15.2 million awarded to Tekscend Photomask Round Rock Inc. With the backing of the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF), the company plans to enhance its photomask manufacturing capabilities in Round Rock. This expansion is set to generate 50 jobs and is backed by over $223 million in capital investment. According to the Office of the Texas Governor press release, this move reinforces Texas's role in the future of semiconductor manufacturing.
The upgrades at Tekscend Photomask include bolstering the existing facility’s capacity by more than 40%, improving efficiency through state-of-the-art equipment, and advancing technology to cater to the 12nm technology node, key to producing chips for a swath of applications. As stated by John Nykaza, Tekscend Photomask Round Rock's President, in a statement obtained by the Governor's office, "The support from TSIF enables us to accelerate our expansion — boosting both our technical capabilities and our production capacity."
Local officials are praising this initiative for its potential economic impact and technical progression. Senator Charles Schwertner remarked on the project's benefits for the regional economy and infrastructure in support of technological advancements. Echoing this sentiment, Representative John Bucy III highlighted the significance of the grant in fortifying Texas's leading position in innovative technology and semiconductor supply chains. They assert that investment such as this fortifies Texas's status as a hub for cutting-edge manufacturing and bolsters the local workforce with high-skilled positions, according to the same press release.
Launched following the Texas CHIPS Act of 2023, the TSIF grant program is part of a broader state effort to sustain Texas's dominance in the semiconductor domain. The Texas CHIPS Office, falling under the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office in the Office of the Governor, manages these initiatives. They are keen on leveraging Texas' investments in the semiconductor industry and fostering the expansion of related businesses across the state. This recent grant to Tekscend Photomask is just one of numerous steps Texas is taking to maintain its reputation as a national leader in the semiconductor industry and provide an ecosystem conducive to innovation in technology.
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