BOSTON - The Northeast Microelectronics Coalition (NEMC) Hub congratulates BAE Systems Inc., a founding member of the NEMC and a leader on the Hub’s Advisory Group, for Monday’s announcement by the U.S. Department of Commerce of a preliminary award of $35 million in federal CHIPS and Science Act funding to enhance microelectronics production at BAE’s cutting-edge facility in Nashua, NH. The funding will support a proposed project that could quadruple the production of chips necessary for critical defense programs, including the F-35 fighter jet program.
“Massachusetts was thrilled to be selected to host the Northeast Microelectronics Hub through the Federal CHIPS and Science Act earlier this year. This award to BAE Systems Inc. is a prime example of the benefits this hub can bring to our local economy, businesses, and workforce,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re grateful to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Secretary Raimondo, and the CHIPS for America program for making this important investment in the Northeast defense supply chain and in BAE Systems, a leading company in our NEMC Hub.”
“Our administration is excited that this proposed project will grow BAE’s production capability and enhance our national security by keeping more of this critical production here in the United States,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “Results like this is exactly why we competed hard to win this regional hub, and there will be more benefits to come for our communities and our entire nation.”
“Massachusetts can play a leading role in the microelectronics sector globally through the leadership of top companies such as BAE,” said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. “Their leadership in the NEMC Hub and under the CHIPS-funded programs will help us grow manufacturing jobs across the Northeast region and maintain our competitive edge in defense-focused manufacturing.”
“This is a major win for the Northeast given the interconnection of the manufacturing workforce and the groups of smaller contractors across the region and in the NEMC Hub,” said Quentin Palfrey, Massachusetts Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure. “The NEMC Hub, which has grown to over 100 members across seven states, is well-positioned to support a major company such as BAE and ensure the success of large-scale projects like this one.”
“This new federal funding will boost the region’s microelectronics sector while strengthening our national defense capabilities and accelerating the rate we can grow our talent base,” said Ben Linville-Engler, Acting Director of the NEMC Hub. “BAE has been a key partner in the Northeast region’s selection to participate in the CHIPS-funded Department of Defense Microelectronics Commons program, and the preliminary award is an important signifier of the company’s leadership nationally.”
More on the new award can be found on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s website. Background on the Northeast Microelectronics Coalition Hub and its members can be found here. Learn more about the official launch of the Hub in September 2023.
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Media Contact(s):
Brian Noyes, MassTech Collaborative, noyes (at) masstech (dot) org