Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Wednesday announced a major semiconductor-related investment by Sibelco in North Carolina, the latest win for the state's fast-growing chip and advanced manufacturing sector. The investment centers on the company's quartz and silicon operations, key raw materials for the semiconductor supply chain, Reuters reported. Sibelco, a global materials company, mines high-purity quartz used to make the silicon wafers at the heart of computer chips. The announcement underscores North Carolina's rising role in the domestic semiconductor push, as the federal government works to bring more of the chip supply chain back to American soil, SRN News reported. The investment is expected to create jobs and strengthen the region's industrial base, adding to a string of recent announcements that have positioned the Research Triangle and surrounding areas as a hub for advanced manufacturing. Federal officials framed the move as part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers for critical minerals and materials. Quartz and silicon are among the foundational inputs for semiconductors, and domestic sources have become a strategic priority in Washington. State economic development officials welcomed the news, saying it reflects North Carolina's competitive business climate and skilled workforce. More details on the investment's size and job numbers are expected in the coming days. The announcement adds to North Carolina's growing list of advanced manufacturing wins, which state officials say now number in the dozens over the past three years. Commerce Department recruiters credit the state's workforce training programs and infrastructure investments for the streak. Company officials said the project reflects growing demand for domestically sourced chip materials, and local leaders welcomed the news, noting that advanced manufacturing jobs pay well above the regional average. Hiring timelines will be announced soon.
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