ASML to expand Connecticut manufacturing facility
ASML, global manufacturer of chip-making equipment, is planning to substantially grow its operations in Wilton, Connecticut through an expansion project that will see the creation of up to 524 new jobs added to its current workforce in the town of 1,222 employees.
The company intends to expand its Wilton operations to include the construction of a parking garage, expansion of its manufacturing and engineering operations, and substantial interior renovations as part of a potentially $100 million project.
ASML invents, develops, manufactures, and services advanced technology for high-tech lithography, metrology and software solutions. These are used by all the world's top chipmakers to create chips that power a wide array of electronic, communications, and information technology products.
"We are thrilled that ASML "“ a world leader in semiconductor manufacturing "“ has decided to significantly expand their manufacturing and R&D operations right here in Connecticut," Governor Malloy said. "These newly created, high-paying jobs are exactly the kind of opportunities that our economic development efforts have helped generate. Additionally, our work in expanding STEM skills at all levels of education will allow ASML and all of our advanced manufacturers to find the talent they need to ensure their continued success and growth here in the state."
"ASML Wilton has a long local history. For the past 30 years, we continually invested in our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and highly educated workforce, which has been critical to our ongoing success and growth," Bill Amalfitano, General Manager of ASML Wilton, said. "We now enter our next phase of development and remain committed to realizing our vision in Connecticut. The co-location of design engineering, procurement, and manufacturing creates an inspiring environment, as well as generates strong job growth."
The State of Connecticut and ASML have signed a letter of intent, and upon completion of a definitive agreement, the state, through the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) will provide up to $14 million in grants through Governor Malloy's First Five Plus Program to support the expansion project. The total amount of funding the company will be eligible to receive is based on the creation of up to 524 new jobs within specific timeframes over the next eight years. The company is also eligible to utilize up to $6 million in potential tax credits. In return, pursuant to the definitive agreement, ASML will agree to retain 1,222 jobs and create up to 524 new jobs.
"The First Five Plus Program continues to be an invaluable tool for supporting large-scale expansions of key state employers," DECD Commissioner Catherine Smith said. "We are delighted that ASML made the business decision to invest in our state and we look forward to supporting their workforce growth over the next several years."
Signed into law in 2011, the First Five Plus program supports large-scale economic development projects to encourage job creation, new capital investment, and business expansion or relocation. In January, DECD released an analysis of the flagship economic development program that showed the first fifteen participating companies had created about 4,600 jobs and were well on their way to the top level job creation of 5,874 new jobs. The companies are investing over $1.7 billion within Connecticut "“ over five times the amount of assistance the state has provided through grants and loans.
