SkyWater buys Austin chip factory

Yahoo

02-07-2025

SkyWater Technology has successfully completed the acquisition of Infineon Technologies' former semiconductor fabrication plant in Austin, Texas for $93 million, marking a significant milestone in the company's strategy to boost its manufacturing capabilities. Closing this deal positions SkyWater to expand its production capacity to meet the increasing demand for domestically produced semiconductors in the United States, which has become a critical area of focus for the U.S. government's efforts to secure supply chains.
SkyWater Technology, founded in 2017 and based in Bloomington, Minnesota, is recognized as the only U.S.-owned pure-play silicon foundry, providing essential engineering and fabrication services across various sectors including consumer electronics, industrial, military and defense, and automotive industries. The company is well-regarded for its use of 90-nanometer process technology on equipment capable of handling 200-millimeter wafers, and it has garnered a reputation as a Department of Defense-accredited Trusted supplier, underscoring its strategic importance in supporting national security interests.
In its quest for expansion, SkyWater has been proactive in strengthening its manufacturing footprint. In early 2021, the company repurposed a facility at NeoCity, Florida, with plans to continue growing its domestic foundry capabilities. This latest acquisition of the Austin plant is a part of their broader vision to increase capacity at both advanced and foundational semiconductor nodes.
Financially, SkyWater has faced some challenges, as highlighted in its first quarter 2025 results. The company reported a total revenue of $61.3 million, a slight decline compared to the fourth quarter of 2024. ATS development revenue saw a 12% drop quarter-over-quarter, which was attributed to government budget delays affecting funding timelines. However, the company experienced robust demand in its Wafer Services, driven by new products like the ThermaView platform with significant sales to top U.S. defense contractors. Despite the decline in total revenue, SkyWater's gross profit increased by 10% year-over-year.
The acquisition of the Austin facility represents a strategic inflection point for SkyWater Technology. The move aligns with the company's ambition to play a pivotal role in the U.S.'s semiconductor sovereignty goals, especially at a time when the semiconductor supply chain is under intense scrutiny amid global disruptions. The acquired plant is expected to provide SkyWater with the ability to deliver on its $1 billion supply agreement and position itself as a leader in foundational semiconductor markets. This initiative parallels the national objective to revive domestic packaging and testing capabilities, recognizing SkyWater as an essential player in addressing the growing semiconductor content across defense, aerospace, automotive, and industrial automation applications.
SkyWater's efforts to tap into customer-funded capital expenditure models ensure that it continues to enhance its technological capabilities and infrastructure with minimal impact on its balance sheet. By fostering deep partnerships and leveraging outside co-investment, SkyWater anticipates a future marked by modernized facilities and increased production capacity, all while creating new jobs.
The successful integration of the Austin plant's assets should enhance the company's operational resilience and drive growth during the later months of 2025. As federal budget negotiations clarify, SkyWater is positioning itself to capitalize on the anticipated funding, improve its revenue prospects and advance down its path towards long-term profitability.
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