Rogue Valley Microdevices Announces 300mm MEMS Fab in Florida

The tech industry was abuzz with excitement as Rogue Valley Microdevices announced its latest venture - the acquisition of a 50,000-square-foot commercial building at 2301 Commerce Drive, Palm Bay, Florida in June 2023. This move, detailed in the article "Rogue Valley selects Florida for MEMS wafer fab," signifies the company's strategic expansion into the realm of MEMS and sensors manufacturing.

With a substantial budget of US$30 million allocated for capital expenditures, Rogue Valley is set to establish a cutting-edge wafer fab dedicated to MEMS production. The facility boasts a manufacturing capacity of 21,000 wafer starts per month and is projected to create job opportunities for approximately 75 individuals. Production at the new fab is slated to commence in 2025, marking a significant milestone for the company.

Rogue Valley's foray into the MEMS market positions it as the first pure-play MEMS foundry to introduce 300mm capability for its clientele. This development is particularly appealing to customers seeking to transition from laboratory-scale projects to full-fledged fabrication processes with customized solutions. The company's innovative approach aligns with industry trends, as evidenced by Silex Microsystems AB's recent announcement of its own 300mm-capable wafer fab in Sweden.

One notable application that stands to benefit from the economies of scale associated with 300mm wafers is the field of "microneedles" for healthcare applications. Jessica Gomez, the visionary founder and CEO of Rogue Valley Microdevices, is slated to present at the upcoming MEMS & Sensors Technical Congress on the topic of Microneedle Technology. This presentation will delve into the advancements in transdermal drug delivery and biosensing facilitated by microneedles, which are instrumental in various medical applications.

Gomez expressed her enthusiasm for the company's investment in 300mm MEMS capability at the Palm Bay facility, emphasizing the competitive edge it will provide to customers. By supporting clients in realizing their MEMS and sensor designs from concept to commercialization, Rogue Valley aims to empower innovators in the tech sector. The company's commitment to excellence and forward-looking approach bodes well for its future in the dynamic landscape of MEMS manufacturing.