AUSTIN, Texas — SpaceX has received a new funding grant aimed at expanding research into semiconductors.
On Wednesday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced a new $17.3 million state grant for an expansion of the Elon Musk-owned company’s semiconductor research and development and advanced packaging facility in Bastrop.
According to Abbott’s office, the expansion is expected to create more than 400 jobs and around $280 million in investment.
“Texas connects the nation and the world with the most advanced technologies manufactured right here in our great state,” Abbott said. “I congratulate SpaceX on their more than $280 million investment in this Texas-sized expansion of their semiconductor R&D and advanced packaging facility in Bastrop, which will be the largest of its kind in North America.”
Over the next three years, SpaceX plans to expand the square footage of its Bastrop facility by 1 million square feet, with the intent of producing Starlink kits and their component parts, including advanced packaged silicon products.
The proposed facility expansion would focus on work developing printed circuit boards (PCBs), a semiconductor failure analysis lab and advanced packaging for panel level packaging (PLP).
Once its completed, the Bastrop facility will be the largest PCB and PLP facility in North America.
“Incredible innovation and high-tech manufacturing is happening in Texas as a direct result of Gov. Abbott’s leadership and the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund initiative,” SpaceX President and Chief Operating Officer Gwynne Shotwell said. “We love Texas. SpaceX is investing hundreds of millions of dollars into our Bastrop facility. This grant will help continue to expand Bastrop’s manufacturing for Starlink to help connect even more people across the state and around the world with high-speed, low-latency internet.”
“We are incredibly fortunate to have a world-class facility like SpaceX in Bastrop County,” State Sen. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown), who represents the area in the Texas Senate, said. “From the cellphones in our pockets to strengthening our national defense, semiconductors power our everyday lives. This investment will bring hundreds of high-paying jobs to the area and serve as a catalyst for further economic growth. I look forward to SpaceX’s continued technological advancements as they revolutionize the industry.”
“This investment is a game-changer for Bastrop and for Texas,” State Rep. Stan Gerdes (R-Smithville) said. “SpaceX’s expansion reinforces Texas as the nation’s leader in high-tech manufacturing and semiconductor innovation. With hundreds of new jobs and a stronger domestic supply chain, this project is a huge win for our economy, our workforce, and our future.”