II-VI Opens Illinois Semiconductor Material Center

Compound semiconductor epitaxial wafer developer II-VI Inc. has opened a high-tech compound semiconductor material center of excellence in Champaign, Ill.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony at II-VI's new semiconductor material center of excellence. Courtesy of II-VI Inc.

“It’s a thrill to participate in the opening of a manufacturing facility that will develop key technology enabling some of the most exciting new consumer electronics in the world,” said Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, who was present at the facility’s opening. “It showcases how local industry, strong university systems, and state government can partner to realize a bold vision for a globally competitive semiconductor manufacturing center of excellence that’s built right here, in the heart of our wonderful state of Illinois.”

This opening aims to support II-VI’s efforts to ramp up production capacity of high-performance compound semiconductor epitaxial wafers. II-VI products serve 3D sensing, optical networking, wireless communications, and power electronics markets.

“On behalf of II-VI, I would like to express my thanks to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for its ongoing support and unwavering commitment to our success,” said Quesnell Hartmann, general manager and co-founder of II-VI EpiWorks. “The completion of this phase in our expansion provides us with the critical infrastructure to scale our production, advance our technology, and enable us to serve the rapidly growing demand from our global customer base.”

The company continues to recruit managers, engineers, and technicians to join the center.

“II-VI and the state of Illinois have formed a strong partnership, sharing a vision that businesses with leading-edge technology and advanced manufacturing capabilities are the most competitive over the long-term,” said Chuck Mattera, president and CEO of II-VI. “With support from Illinois, we expect to continue to invest in this Champaign facility by adding state-of-the-art manufacturing capacity, improving process capabilities, broadening the product portfolio, and recruiting and developing a lot of talent to fill the anticipated growth in jobs and opportunities for career growth.”