Ohio strengthening ‘Silicon Heartland’ with semiconductor supply chain consortium
Photo: Intel Ohio Groundbreaking
Ohio’s reputation as the “Silicon Heartland” is growing.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted have announced the “Silicon Heartland Supplier Consortium” to bolster Ohio’s standing as a burgeoning semiconductor hub.
The consortium includes the State of Ohio, Intel, JobsOhio, and the Ohio Grants Alliance.
What it is
The Silicon Heartland Supplier Consortium has two primary objectives:
Position Ohio to become one of two new semiconductor clusters in the country. The U.S. Department of Commerce in February announced plans to fund two semiconductor clusters through the CHIPS and Science Act that will include a robust supplier ecosystem, R&D facilities, and specialized infrastructure.
Help current and prospective Ohio suppliers compete for new federal grant funding for semiconductor materials and manufacturing equipment.
Why it matters to Ohio
The consortium will help Ohio suppliers receive CHIPS and Science Act funding for business expansion and advanced operations. Here’s a look at the impact of Intel’s investment:
Since January 2022, Intel has grown its Ohio supplier footprint from about 150 suppliers to more than 300 suppliers that are located in every region of the state.
30 more out-of-state semiconductor suppliers are considering investing in Ohio to support Intel’s operations, according to state officials.
Intel’s Ohio presence will support 3,000 direct jobs, 7,000 construction jobs, and tens of thousands of secondary jobs upon completion.
What they’re saying
“Ohio is committed to ensuring the success of the Silicon Heartland. Bringing together industry partners to onshore this critical industry is key to strengthening our national security, spurring future innovation, and making our economy more resilient.”
- Governor Mike DeWine
“When we were working to attract Intel to establish its semiconductor fab facility in Ohio, we knew that most of the jobs would be created from the supply chain that followed. The establishment of this semiconductor consortium can play an important role in establishing Ohio as the Silicon Heartland."
- Lt. Governor Jon Husted
“As Intel moves forward with our multi-billion investment in Ohio, we are excited to anchor the new Silicon Heartland consortium. We look forward to supporting the efforts of semiconductor suppliers looking to expand operations and join us in the Silicon Heartland. This consortium will accelerate the formation of the Ohio semiconductor cluster and will help ensure the long-term growth and success of the semiconductor industry in the Buckeye State.”
- Jim Evers, Intel Vice President and Ohio Site Manager
“Through the work of the Ohio Grants Alliance, we know that our state is more competitive when we work together and collaborate. The CHIPS Small-Scale Supplier program is another opportunity to work as one team to put Ohio in the best position for success.”
- Pat Tiberi, President and CEO of the Ohio Business Roundtable, which runs the Ohio Grants Alliance initiative
“JobsOhio and Ohio are committed to a successful and thriving Silicon Heartland, from government leaders to our business community and our leading academic institutions we have all united around the semiconductor industry.”
- J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio President and CEO
