Arizona Commerce Authority

10/23/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/23/2024 21:28

Sunlit Chemical Expands Global Reach with U.S. Facility Grand Opening In Phoenix

Taiwan's leading semiconductor supplier strengthens U.S. semiconductor supply chain with new plant

PHOENIX, AZ (October 23, 2024) -Sunlit Fluo & Chemical Co. Ltd., Taiwan's premier semiconductor chemical supplier, is expanding its international footprint with the grand opening of its first manufacturing facility outside of Asia - Sunlit Arizona, LLC. The new state-of-the-art plant, strategically located in Phoenix, Arizona, will provide critical materials to support the U.S. semiconductor industry, reinforcing Sunlit's role as a key player in the global semiconductor supply chain.

Sunlit celebrated the official grand opening today alongside Governor Katie Hobbs, Sunlit Group President Bryan Lin, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority and Chris Camacho, President and CEO, Greater Phoenix Economic Council.

The company's $100-million investment marks a significant milestone for Sunlit as it establishes its U.S. operations. The 900,000-square-foot facility, built on 27 acres, is vertically integrated to optimize the production of high-purity hydrofluoric acid and other essential chemicals vital for semiconductor fabrication. Sunlit Arizona will be a critical partner to the more than 200 semiconductor-related companies in Arizona, which support the state's thriving advanced manufacturing sector.

"Arizona's semiconductor industry is booming, and Sunlit's new manufacturing facility is the latest example of that," said Governor Katie Hobbs. "Sunlit Arizona will create good-paying jobs and strengthen our manufacturing ecosystem. Through partnership and innovation, we will continue to solidify ourselves as the nation's semiconductor powerhouse and create a thriving economy for all Arizonans."

"Opening Sunlit Arizona is a major step forward in our company's growth and innovation journey," said Bryan Lin, President of Sunlit Group. "This facility will help semiconductor producers in Arizona and across the U.S. meet their production goals while advancing the technologies critical to the future of this industry. We are proud to bring our expertise to the state, which over the past few decades has become a global leader in semiconductor innovation and production."

Arizona has become a national leader in semiconductor manufacturing, attracting over 40 semiconductor-affiliated companies since 2020. These companies have contributed to more than $100 billion in investments and created over 16,000 jobs in the state. Greater Phoenix is home to some of the most influential players in the industry, fostering a collaborative environment that accelerates innovation and strengthens the region's leadership in advanced manufacturing.
Sunlit's new facility will further enhance this strong ecosystem. The plant's first phase is expected to create more than 50 local jobs by early 2025, with plans to scale up to 100 employees as production expands and new phases of investment roll out.

"We are incredibly excited to celebrate this milestone with Sunlit to advance Arizona's semiconductor industry," said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. "Sunlit was one of the first Taiwan-based semiconductor suppliers to commit to Arizona and we look forward to supporting their success."

Greater Phoenix also boasts one of the nation's largest semiconductor-related talent pools, with over 140,000 workers employed in fields relevant to semiconductor manufacturing. Arizona universities produce 2,000 highly specialized semiconductor-related graduates annually, while over 35,000 students are currently enrolled in engineering programs across the state's higher education institutions, according to GPEC. This exceptional talent pipeline will support Sunlit's long-term growth and the continued expansion of the semiconductor industry in the region.

"Phoenix prides itself on being a city where innovation and opportunity meet, and I am so glad that message resonated with Sunlit when I met with their leadership over the years and again in Taiwan last summer," said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. "We've built a strong foundation that makes it easy for companies to enter our market and hit the ground running, ensuring they have the support they need to succeed from day one. Sunlit is joining an already strong supply chain in Phoenix that is creating great jobs and strengthening our local economy."

"Sunlit's five decades of high-quality production further broadens the local supply chain and provides companies an opportunity to work with another world-leader in chemical manufacturing," said Chris Camacho, President and CEO, Greater Phoenix Economic Council. "Its entrance to the U.S. market expands Greater Phoenix's influence on the national ecosystem, reaffirming the region's position as a leader in semiconductor production."

Sunlit's expansion into the U.S. underscores Taiwan's crucial role in the global semiconductor supply chain while strengthening ties with U.S. manufacturing. The facility will contribute to national security and economic resilience by bolstering domestic production capacity and advancing cutting-edge technologies.

Media Contacts
Catie Richman on behalf of Sunlit, [email protected]

Alyssa Tufts, Arizona Commerce Authority, [email protected]

About Sunlit
Sunlit was founded in January 1972 with a vision to become Taiwan's leading manufacturer to serve the needs for high-purity and high-quality hydrofluoric acid. It dearly holds the philosophy of Pursuing excellence in quality, keeping promises to customers and persistent in business growth and sustainability. After more than 30 years of development, Sunlit has accumulated rich experiences in the production and marketing of specialty chemicals. These efforts are supported by the company's advanced sustainability measures, including water recycling systems, air scrubbers for clean emissions, and energy-efficient operations, reflecting Sunlit's dedication to environmental stewardship. For more information, visit sunlit-chemical.com.

About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create - attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on X @azcommerce.