The Economy

Semiconductor Manufacturer Expanding Idaho Facility

Nov. 5, 2010

Investment will secure current jobs and lead to additional hiring, company says.

ON Semiconductor, a Phoenix-based supplier of silicon devices for energy-efficient electronics, plans to install an additional $15.7 million of production equipment in its 8-inch Pocatello, Idaho, wafer manufacturing facility during the next six months.

In June, the company announced an $11 million equipment expansion as well.

"This second capital investment further secures current jobs at the Pocatello facility, will lead to additional hiring and is an indicator of ON Semiconductor's commitment to its operations here in Pocatello," said John Spicer, ON Semiconductor's Pocatello site manager. "I want to thank Idaho Gov. Butch Otter, the Bannock County Board of Commissioners and the city of Pocatello for working with us in support of this expansion."

The Pocatello facility, which employs 635 people, houses ON Semiconductor's Fab 10, an 8-inch wafer production facility specializing in the manufacture of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and standard products for the automotive, medical, industrial and military/aerospace markets.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.