EMD Electronics opened a new research and development facility in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, expanding its North American operations. The 38,000-square-foot building houses eight purpose-built laboratories designed to support the full product development lifecycle for advanced semiconductor materials. EMD Electronics, the electronics business of Merck KGaA of Darmstadt, Germany, stated that the site provides dedicated capabilities for synthesis, scale-up, and technology transfer.
What it means
The new laboratories support discovery, development, qualification, analytical development, purification, packaging, and hazard testing. The facility is designed to reduce its environmental footprint and aims to meet LEED Gold certification standards. EMD Electronics described the site as among the pioneering laboratories powered by renewable energy.
This opening is part of a broader $200 million investment supporting semiconductor capabilities across three states. Recent project completions under this initiative occurred in Carlsbad, California, and Catoosa, Oklahoma. A further expansion in Sheboygan Falls is scheduled for completion in 2027. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is collaborating with EMD Electronics to support the expansion.
The current projects fall under a $1 billion five-year investment program announced in 2021. Benjamin Hein, an official with EMD Electronics, said, “This investment shows our strong commitment to the semiconductor industry to grow in lockstep with our customers.” Bing Han noted that materials innovation remains central to industry transformation but emphasized that success increasingly depends on combining materials discovery, process expertise, and scale-up capabilities.
Key facts
- 38,000-square-foot facility size
- Eight purpose-built laboratories
- $200 million investment across three states
- $1 billion total five-year investment program announced in 2021
- Further Sheboygan Falls expansion completion targeted for 2027
- Recent completions in Carlsbad, California, and Catoosa, Oklahoma
- Targeting LEED Gold certification with renewable energy power
- Collaboration with Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Source: EMD Electronics news release