EMD Electronics has opened a new research and development (R&D) centre in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, aiming to enhance its advanced materials capabilities for the semiconductor sector.
The facility, which covers 38,000ft², is part of a $200m multi-year investment to expand the company’s US operations.
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EMD Electronics is the North America electronics business of Germany-based Merck KGaA.
The new Sheboygan Falls site is intended to support innovation in materials required for next-generation semiconductor manufacturing.
Facilities at the location include dedicated laboratories for synthesis, scale-up, and technology transfer, which are designed to reduce the time needed to progress from material discovery to customer qualification.
EMD Electronics executive vice president and thin films head Bing Han said: “The semiconductor industry is entering a period where integrated workflow solutions play a defining role in enabling the next generation of devices, particularly as AI drives increasing complexity and performance requirements.
“Materials innovation remains at the core of that transformation, but success increasingly depends on combining materials discovery, process expertise, and scale-up capabilities.
“This new facility brings together the capabilities needed to work alongside our customers on their most complex materials challenges and accelerate innovation from the lab to commercial production.”
The expansion has received support from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), which is working with EMD Electronics to boost investment and job growth in the state.
Eight custom-built laboratories have been introduced at the facility, supporting all stages of the product development cycle, from discovery and development to packaging and hazard testing.
The focus is on enhancing collaboration with customers and improving responsiveness to changing technological needs.
The Sheboygan Falls site includes features designed to reduce environmental impact, such as the use of renewable energy.
The company is seeking LEED Gold certification for the laboratory.
The Wisconsin facility represents part of a wider commitment announced in 2021 by EMD Electronics’ parent company to invest $1bn over five years in its US innovation and manufacturing capabilities.
The $200m allocation includes further planned expansion in Sheboygan Falls by 2027 and recently completed projects in Catoosa, Oklahoma and Carlsbad, California.
