EMP Shield, manufacturer of commercial and residential devices that protect against high-altitude electromagnetic pulses (EMP's), will build a $1.9 billion chip manufacturing facility in Burlington, Coffey County, Kansas, Gov. Laura Kelly announced Monday.

The state said that the four-production-line plant would eventually be able to produce thousands of chips a week and create 1,200 jobs with an average annual wage of $66,000. Local bus routes that can transport workers from metropolitan areas to the factory also will be set up.

EMP Shield will build the 235,000-square-foot factory complex on 300 acres in the new Silicon Prairie Industrial Park and said six of its out-of-state suppliers will also set up shop there, producing additional components and getting the chips ready for final delivery.

"This high-tech advanced manufacturing project will provide lucrative career opportunities for hard-working Kansans," said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland. "Our economic development strategy is designed to keep nurturing the roots of our young talent so they can remain here in Kansas."

Gov. Kelly did not detail state or local financial incentives the company will receive but did mention that the state will provide support for EMP Shield's Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) Act funding application to the federal government.

The $52 billion Act provides financial support for U.S.-based semiconductor projects and prioritizes those applicants that have secured significant financial or local financial commitments.

Earlier this month, Kelly said that the state of Kansas approved $304 million of incentives through its Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion (APEX) program for Integra Technologies' new $1.8 billion headquarters and semiconductor plant in Wichita, Kansas. This state funding is also part of Integra's application for CHIPS Act funding.

Panasonic Energy Co. Ltd. is also a beneficiary of Kansas' APEX program – $830 million related to the construction and operation of the company's $4 billion lithium-ion battery factory in De Soto, Kansas.

By: DocMemory
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