Oregon-based pure-play microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) foundry Rogue Valley Microdevices is currently constructing a 300 mm fab in Palm Bay, Florida.
Rogue Valley claims it will be the first pure-play MEMS foundry with a 300 mm wafer capability. The fab is designed for vendors requiring post-CMOS processing and are looking to improve margins and create new use cases.
The 50,000 sq-ft microfabrication facility will create 75 new high-tech jobs in Florida and initial production is scheduled for 2025, the company said.
Rogue Valley said it is partnering with the state of Florida, the city of Palm Bay and the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s so-called Space Coast.
Jessica Gomez, founder and CEO of Rogue Valley Microdevices, said MEMS devices like microneedles are increasingly used in healthcare for the delivery of drugs and sensing applications like glucose monitoring patches or vaccine delivery and skin cancer treatment.
Disposable bioMEMS vendors using the 300 mm wafer fab will gain the ability to create larger substrates that will result in higher margins and entry into new markets, Gomez said. Outside of bioMEMS devices, the 300 mm MEMS foundry could be used in sectors like:
- Automotive
- Agricultural
- Industrial
“With Rogue Valley Microdevices’ investment in 300mm MEMS capability at our new Palm Bay, Florida fab, we’re poised to empower our customers with significant competitive advantages, facilitating their journey from initial concept to the successful commercialization of their MEMS and sensor designs,” Gomez said.
