“Semiconductors are vital to modern life and our economy. With CHIPS Office support, we’re expanding our facilities to meet the growing demand for semiconductors powering critical science, defence, and space missions,” said Rocket Lab CEO Sir Peter Beck. “For over 20 years, the SolAero team, now part of Rocket Lab, has been key to domestic semiconductor production. This program continues our commitment to resilient U.S. supply chains and local job creation.”
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham stated, “Rocket Lab has called New Mexico home for 25 years, first as SolAero Technologies and now as a thriving modern company manufacturing space solar-cell technology.” “The space industry in New Mexico is expanding daily, and Rocket Lab’s expansion will create over 100 new jobs in the state. This is just the most recent illustration of how the Science and CHIPS Act is fostering high-paying jobs and new technologies.
Senator Heinrich declared, “This CHIPS and Science Act investment will create over 100 jobs and strengthens New Mexico’s advanced manufacturing leadership. I’ve long backed the defence laboratories, the state’s bases, and private enterprises like Rocket Lab and SolAero. With this investment, New Mexico will continue to lead the nation in both innovation and national security.”Rocket Lab Secures $23.9M CHIPS Act Funding to Boost Albuquerque Semiconductor Production
It gave me great pleasure to work with the Senate Commerce Committee to draft the CHIPS and Science Act, which will strengthen New Mexico’s position in the manufacturing sector going forward. Senator Luján stated, “This funding will help establish New Mexico as a centre for cutting-edge innovation.” “The Department of Commerce’s investment demonstrates our dedication to generating new jobs domestically.” It is imperative to support local businesses like SolAero in order to foster innovation and uphold New Mexico’s tradition of cutting-edge manufacturing.
Representative Melanie Stansbury expressed her excitement, saying, “I am so excited that SolAero will get almost $24 million to expand and modernize their facilities right in the heart of New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District.” “The CHIPS and Science Act, as well as the Biden Administration, have allowed more than 100 new manufacturing jobs will be created, and New Mexico will continue leading the way in technological manufacturing. The future is bright!”
Rep. Gabe Vasquez stated, “These more than 100 well-paying jobs will help hardworking New Mexicans while strengthening our national security through domestic semiconductor manufacturing.” “By supporting Rocket Lab, we can guarantee the American manufacturing of essential semiconductors and bolster New Mexico’s position as a space technology leader. It’s critical to acknowledge New Mexico’s strong labour force and investment potential, and I will continue to fight to bring well-paying employment to our state.
Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández stated, “This $23.9 million investment will not only help strengthen our national security and increase the amount of advanced semiconductor manufacturing in the United States, but it will also create more than 100 good paying jobs for New Mexicans. With this money, our satellites’ reliance on foreign solar power sources will be eliminated, and instead use American-manufactured solar cells made from compound semiconductors. Manufacturing is growing in New Mexico and this is exactly the kind of growth we had in mind when we passed the CHIPS and Science Act.”
