EMD Electronics Celebrates Opening of New Arizona Factory

CHANDLER, Ariz. - Oct. 13, 2023 - PRLog -- EMD Electronics, the Electronics business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany in the U.S. and Canada, celebrated the grand opening of its newest factory in Chandler, Arizona today. The opening of the site is part of the "Level Up" growth program announced in late 2021. The factory features a 75,000-square-foot building that doubles the company's manufacturing capacity in the U.S. to produce equipment for its Delivery Systems & Services (DS&S) business which provides high-quality delivery and storage of specialty chemicals and gases.

The $39-million investment in the new site is the largest investment the company has made in its semiconductor equipment and services business, which has become a key growth driver thanks to a strong business pipeline. With this investment, EMD Electronics will further support the growing presence of key semiconductor players in the thriving semiconductor ecosystem in the state of Arizona.

"The global semiconductor market's long-term outlook is strong and so is our commitment to purposefully expand our capacities and services in the immediate vicinity of our customers," said Kai Beckmann, Member of the Executive Board of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and CEO Electronics. "We're excited about the growth trajectory of our Delivery Systems & Services business, and proud to open a new site in Arizona and strengthen our presence in this premier destination for semiconductor production. Today's opening symbolizes our confidence in the future of our industry and our promise to take our business and our people to new heights."

The grand opening celebration was attended by the Governor of Arizona, Katie Hobbs, and the Mayor of Chandler, Kevin Hartke. Senator Mark Kelly delivered a video speech. Industry leaders and representatives from the City of Chandler, the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Arizona Commerce Authority, and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), convened at the event that took place at the new facility's production area.

"The grand opening of EMD Electronics is yet another example of Arizona's new era as a hub for innovation and technology," said the Governor of Arizona, Katie Hobbs. "I'm happy to welcome another great company that will further grow our state's semiconductor ecosystem. Historic semiconductor investments are rippling across our state, supporting the establishment and growth of new businesses, like EMD Electronics here today."

With an efficient manufacturing design for optimal product throughput, the new factory doubles Merck's manufacturing capacity to produce its GASGUARD^® and CHEMGUARD^® systems in the U.S. The site also features a 75,000-square-foot building, a 6,000-square-foot clean room, and a 2,000-square-foot training center. The training center is designed to support manufacturing and services onboarding.