When the CHIPS and Science Act passed in 2022, by the relatively bipartisan vote of 64-33, its original targets were very limited, dedicated solely to assisting chips manufacturers and leaving out companies that make the – very tiny – parts that go into those chips. Thanks to some lobbying from Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock, those targets moved upstream a little bit and now Absolics’ Covington will receive $75 million in federal investments, the funding will create 210 new jobs in Georgia and be a piece of a critical industry across the country.
“The CHIPS and Science Act committed billions of dollars to invigorating the American semiconductor industry, the backbone of modern technology,” said Warnock “Thanks to these federal investments, which Senator Ossoff and I proudly helped secure, Georgians are charting the path of our nation’s future. That’s why I fought to make sure a variety of manufacturers like Absolics were eligible for federal support that is already helping strengthen our state’s economy. I remain committed to building a stronger economy that supports Georgia workers and equips them with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive.”
Warnock sits on the Commerce Committee and was part of the conference committee to reconcile the different versions in the House and Senate. Out of this work came Warnock’s efforts on the Investing in Domestic Semiconductor Manufacturing Act, which helped other suppliers become eligible for CHIPS funding. Absolics makes glass substrate that is used in variety of companies, including high-performance computing (HPC) companies, data centers and artificial intelligence companies.
“With the support of this proposed CHIPS funding, Absolics would be able to fully commercialize our pioneering glass substrate technology for use in high-performance computing and cutting-edge defense applications. This effort is an important component of establishing a robust semiconductor advanced packaging ecosystem in the State of Georgia and restoring the U.S.’s leadership in semiconductor industry. Our new facility in Covington will not only enhance our ability to produce high-quality glass substrates but also create high-skilled jobs and drive innovation through our partnership with Georgia Tech,” said Absolics CEO Jun Rok Oh. “Absolics is proud to contribute to the resilience and competitiveness of the American semiconductor industry.”
Absolics technology allows chips users to reduce thickness (critical when microns can make a difference in fitting another chip into the limited space of a server or mainframe), increase data processing speed, use less power and gain a 40 percent overall performance improvement.
“This is a great day for Georgia’s economic development. When Senator Reverend Warnock and I set out to pass the bipartisan Chips Act through Congress, it was with this exact goal in mind. This historic Federal investment will create Georgia jobs, support U.S. national security, and bring more advanced manufacturing to our state,” said Ossoff.
