Granholm Announces Support for Hemlock
Semiconductor Group
Expansion in Thomas Township
March 18, 2009
LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the State of
Michigan is partnering with Thomas Township in Saginaw County to support the
$1-billion expansion of Dow Corning joint venture Hemlock Semiconductor
Group’s solar cell manufacturing operations and the creation of up to 300
new jobs over the next two years.
“Our efforts to diversify Michigan’s economy and create new jobs are
enhanced by Hemlock Semiconductor’s continued commitment to Michigan, which
is helping to position our state as the alternative energy center of North
America,” Granholm said.
“Expanding solar manufacturing in Michigan is part of our aggressive
strategy to grow high-tech companies and jobs and help end our nation’s
dependence on foreign oil.”
The Michigan Strategic Fund board today approved a $6.9 million grant to
Thomas Township to make public infrastructure improvements needed for the
expansion. The grant is being made available with funds from the federal
Community Development Block Grant program.
In December, the company announced it would invest up to $1 billion in
the project. An incentive package supported by the Michigan Economic
Development Corporation and Thomas Township helped Michigan win the
company’s fourth multi-million-dollar expansion in four years.
“We have received tremendous support from Thomas Township as we have
experienced significant business growth,” Hemlock Semiconductor Group
President and CEO Rick Doornbos said. “This grant is crucial for the
township and Hemlock Semiconductor to continue investing in the Great Lakes
Bay Region.”
Thomas Township will use the CDBG grant to construct a
1-to-2-million-gallon water storage tank and a new water transmission line.
The township will contribute $300,000 to support the project and the company
will invest $2.2 million.
“We're pleased to partner with the State of Michigan and Hemlock
Semiconductor to develop critical infrastructure that will support new
development and the overall community. Hemlock Semiconductor has been a
vital part of our local economy and a strong corporate citizen,” Thomas
Township Manager Russ Taylor said.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation administers the state’s
Community Development Block Grant funds received from the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development. These funds are used to provide grants and
loans to eligible counties, cities, villages and townships—typically those
with populations less than 50,000—for economic development, community
development and housing projects. Larger communities receive block grant
funds directly from the federal government.
“Thomas Township has been a strong partner in realizing this expansion,”
MEDC President and CEO James C. Epolito said. “We couldn’t have done it
without the township’s support. Together, we are working to ensure that
Hemlock Semiconductor continues to grow and prosper in Michigan.”
The MEDC is able to award approximately $40 million in federal CDBG funds
each year. There are 1,655 local governments within the state eligible to
apply for these funds. Projects are approved contingent upon compliance with
state and federal requirements.
“The continued commitment by a world class company, Hemlock Semiconductor
proves that there is a great potential for the Great Lakes Bay Region and
that we have a 21st century skilled workforce in place,” Saginaw Future Inc.
President JoAnn Crary said. “It adds greatly to the momentum that we’ve
gained in transforming our economy and offering job opportunities for our
young people.”
Hemlock Semiconductor is a joint venture of Dow Corning Corporation
and two Japan-based firms, Shin-Etsu Handotai Co., Ltd. and Mitsubishi
Materials Corporation. In solar applications, polycrystalline silicon is the
cornerstone material used to produce solar cells that harvest renewable
energy from light rays. In addition to serving the solar energy market,
polysilicon is also used in the production of semiconductor devices used in
computers, cell phones and other electronic applications.
Hemlock Semiconductor (www.hscpoly.com)
is the world's leading provider of polycrystalline silicon and other
silicon-based products used in the manufacturing of semiconductor devices
and passive solar cells and modules. Headquartered in Hemlock, Michigan,
Hemlock Semiconductor is owned in majority and managed by Dow Corning
Corporation.
Dow Corning Corporation (www.dowcorning.com)
provides performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more
than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicon-based technology
and innovation, offering more than 7,000 products and services, Dow Corning
is equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated. More
than half of Dow Corning’s annual sales are outside the United States.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, a partnership between
the state and local communities, promotes smart economic growth by
developing strategies and providing services to create and retain good jobs
and a high quality of life. For more information on the Michigan Economic
Development Corporation’s initiatives and programs, visit the Web site at
www.TheMEDC.org
