Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has announced a $17.3 million grant from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund to Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, known as SpaceX. This grant will support the expansion of their semiconductor research and development facility in Bastrop, Texas. The project is anticipated to generate over 400 jobs and involve more than $280 million in capital investment.

Governor Abbott expressed his enthusiasm for the expansion, stating, "Texas connects the nation and the world with the most advanced technologies manufactured right here in our great state." He congratulated SpaceX on their significant investment and emphasized Texas's leadership in semiconductor research and high-tech manufacturing.

The expansion at SpaceX's Bastrop facility will take place over three years, increasing its size by one million square feet. The site will produce Starlink kits and components, including advanced packaged silicon products. Starlink satellites provide broadband internet to over five million users globally. The facility will also feature printed circuit boards (PCBs), a semiconductor failure analysis lab, and advanced packaging capabilities. Upon completion, it will be the largest PCB and PLP facility in North America.

SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell praised Governor Abbott's leadership and highlighted the impact of the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund initiative: "Incredible innovation and high-tech manufacturing is happening in Texas as a direct result of Governor Abbott’s leadership." She noted that SpaceX's investment would further enhance Bastrop’s manufacturing capacity for Starlink.

Senator Charles Schwertner acknowledged the importance of semiconductors in daily life, saying, "This investment will bring hundreds of high-paying jobs to the area and serve as a catalyst for further economic growth." Representative Stan Gerdes added that SpaceX's expansion reinforces Texas's status as a leader in high-tech manufacturing.

The Texas CHIPS Act was signed into law by Governor Abbott in 2023 to establish programs like the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund. These initiatives aim to bolster Texas's position in semiconductor research and encourage related companies to expand within the state.