X-FAB Texas
Large load · 2301 N. UNIVERSITY AVE., Lubbock, TX
X-FAB Texas runs a silicon carbide foundry in Lubbock, Texas, and is the only X-FAB location in the United States. Verdict reports that the company has operated in Lubbock for more than 20 years. Its parent is X-FAB Silicon Foundries SE. The Lubbock site focuses on 6-inch silicon carbide semiconductors for power devices. In 2023 the company announced a $200 million first phase expected to create 250 jobs, and in December 2024 the Commerce Department reached a preliminary CHIPS funding term sheet for up to $50 million.
Overview
In 2018 X-FAB announced plans to double its 6-inch silicon carbide process capacity at its Lubbock fab, citing increased customer demand for high efficiency power semiconductor devices. The company said it bought a second heated ion implanter for manufacturing 6-inch SiC wafers, with delivery expected by the end of 2018 and production release planned for the first quarter of 2019. Earlier, X-FAB Texas announced the delivery of a high-temperature implanter with backing from the Department of Energy and PowerAmerica, which positioned the site to support SiC customers moving to volume production.
Profile
- The 2023 expansion
- X-FAB Texas plans to expand its operations center in Lubbock, and the $200 million project is expected to create 250 jobs, according to Area Development. Verdict reports the company invested $200m to increase production of silicon carbide semiconductors at the site, and that it expects the silicon carbide market to grow 35% over the next decade. Evertiq reports that phase one amounts to USD 200 million, that further investment will follow market demand, and that the Lubbock site will keep ramping up its silicon carbide production.
- The CHIPS funding proposal
- The U.S. Department of Commerce reached a non-binding preliminary memorandum of terms with X-Fab Silicon Foundries to award up to $50 million in direct funding under the CHIPS and Science Act, according to KCBD. The release says the funding would support the modernization and expansion of the Lubbock silicon carbide foundry and will create an estimated 150 jobs. The same release describes the site as the only high-volume SiC facility in the U.S. and notes that the award is a preliminary step rather than a final grant.
Facility
- Activity
- Silicon carbide semiconductor foundry
- Industry
- Manufacturing
- Site type
- Facility
- Operating status
- Operating
Related records
Timeline
- May 19, 2023
- X-FAB Texas announces $200 million to increase silicon carbide production in Lubbock
X-Fab to expand Texas semiconductor plant - Verdict
- Dec 6, 2024
- Commerce Department reaches preliminary CHIPS memorandum of terms with X-FAB for up to $50 million
Cornyn Applauds $50M CHIPS Funding Announcement for X-Fab