Currently, HP has a Corvallis campus in Oregon that is soon to undergo a drastic transformation in a process funded by $50 million facilitated by the Federal Government. This funding follows the CHIPS and Science Act that is a federal program to strengthen semiconductor and technology companies in the United States. This massive portion of money is soon going to be bestowed to HP’s campus.
A Big Deal
Suppose you have just received $50 million in a lottery. Well, that is pretty much how HP is feeling right now. These funds will allow HP to continue and increase the updating and modernizing of their Corvallis facility making it into one of the most technologically advanced spaces for technology and innovation . The primary focus? Microfluidics technology that means controlling the flow of fluids at microscale level.
HP CEO Enrique Lores stated that this represents a perfect opportunity for the company not only to renovate its factory but also to advance the technology of microfluidics in the process. And the benefits?
They are not just going to be limited to the laboratory. This project is expected to generate approximately 115 construction employment opportunities and 75 manufacturing employment opportunities. So, if you are either in the construction business or in the field of technology in Oregon, this could well be your chance.
Teaming Up for Success
But HP is not alone in its mission, for it has collected like-minded industry leaders to support it. They have contracted Andersen Construction, a company that operates from Portland to oversee the expansion. The governor also noted that HP is teaming with Portland Community College to create training and recruitment programs, which would mean that local talent will get a crack at these new unknowns. They actually serve on an advisory council for Linn-Benton Community College.
And let’s not forget that the Corvallis campus hasn’t lagged behind in terms of innovation either. It is where Hewlett-Packard Company, the producer of the first inkjet printer, set foot. As affirmed by the governor of Oregon, Tina Kotek, this facility keeps reinforcing the status of Oregon as a hub for technological advancement.
Oregon’s Tech Renaissance
Oregon has been steadily positioning itself as a tech state, particularly focusing on semiconductors for quite some time now. It is not only HP’s case; Intel also scored a major hit with a staggering $8.5 billion in federal funding through the CHIPS Act.
The Oregon CHIPS Act was enacted in the 2023 legislative session with the provision of $240 million for the grant and loan program to fund the growth of businesses linked with semiconductors. From this pot, HP was able to receive an extra $9.5 million.
It, therefore, appears that the country is in need of a national effort to guide it in the process of staying ahead.
It’s not just a victory for HP and Oregon or even Oregon’s laptop businesses; it’s part of a much larger story of the nationalization of higher education. The Biden Harris administration has proposed more than $32 billion in funding across16 states to construct semiconductor manufacturing facilities and research. It is a move that is designed to enhance national security, as well as to ensure that the United States continues to reign supreme in the technology realm.
On this front, HP’s Corvallis campus is all geared to be a part of this mega strategy of the company. As the Governor Kotek rightly said, this is not only beneficial for the state of Oregon but it is beneficial for the country as a whole. Through supporting these technology developments, Oregon is also involved in enhancing the security of the country and developing a stronger semiconductors sector.
