Saxony and Arizona Expand Cooperation in the Semiconductor Industry
Saxony Economic Development Corporation (WFS) and the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) took advantage of SEMICON West—the leading U.S. industry trade show, which took place in San Francisco from October 13–15—to foster closer ties among stakeholders from both semiconductor regions.
WFS Managing Director Thomas Horn explains: “Arizona and Saxony are among the world’s leading microelectronics hubs, where very large new semiconductor capacities are currently being established. This means that chip manufacturing isn’t the only sector growing on both sides. Suppliers, research, skilled workers, and infrastructure must also keep pace. This is precisely where we see a concrete benefit of closer cooperation. Saxon companies gain better access to one of the most important semiconductor markets in the U.S., while at the same time we can offer companies from Arizona direct access to Europe’s largest microelectronics hub. “We are pleased that we have been able to further expand our collaboration with our partners in Arizona and thus build on the discussions held during the Silicon Saxony Days in June.”
“Both Arizona and Saxony have emerged as global leaders in semiconductor manufacturing, innovation, and investment,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “As our ecosystems continue to grow, it is of immense value to build closer connections between companies, research institutions, and talent pools on both sides of the Atlantic. We are grateful to our partners in Saxony and look forward to working together to further develop our leadership role in the semiconductor sector.”
Kickoff at the Transatlantic Executive Dinner
The event kicked off the evening before the trade show with a joint Transatlantic Executive Dinner. The event brings together executives from the semiconductor industry as well as representatives from business, research, and institutions in both regions in an informal setting. The focus was on discussing the development of both regions and identifying concrete opportunities for collaboration between companies and partners from Saxony and Arizona.
Arizona: A Semiconductor Hub with Strong Investment Momentum
Arizona is a region in the U.S. with a particularly high concentration of semiconductor manufacturing and a significant expansion of production capacity. Since 2020, Arizona has attracted more than 70 expansion and new-location projects in the semiconductor industry, representing an investment volume of over 314 billion U.S. dollars. These include investments across the entire value chain, from semiconductor manufacturing to equipment and materials, as well as advanced packaging and research.
Starting in 2027, Phoenix will also be the permanent host city for the SEMICON West trade show.
