Calumet Electronics and Schmid collaborate to establish first-ever US advanced substrate facility

February 13, 2024

Calumet Electronics (Calumet), a American printed circuit board manufacturer is pioneering the domestic production of advanced packaging substrates. The current development and onshoring of this technology are the direct result of a strategic partnership with Schmid (Schmid), a top global solutions provider for the high-tech electronic, photovoltaics, glass, and energy systems industries. This collaboration marks a significant step in advancing substrate technology within the United States (US) and complements the recent government grant awarded to Calumet by the US Department of Defense under DPA Title III.
Through this strategic partnership, Calumet and Schmid are working collaboratively to scale domestic production capacity for advanced substrates. Schmid is providing innovative equipment, while Calumet is taking the lead in expanding its manufacturing capabilities.
Together, they are aligning their efforts with construction milestones to establish the first-ever US-based advanced substrate facility.

Key Highlights:

Dedicated US-Based Advanced Technologies Facility: Calumet is currently standing up a
60,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art manufacturing facility dedicated to advanced substrate
production. This landmark facility represents a significant milestone as the first of its kind in
the US, poised to advance substrate technology and enhancing the nation’s capabilities in
advanced packaging.
Enabling Next-Gen Technology: The project will implement cutting-edge process and
production technology, enabling the production of mSAP, SAP and (ET) embedded trace on
a single versatile platform.
Environmental and Fiscal Responsibility: Calumet and Schmid’s R&D teams are
collaborating across enterprises to develop a modular, space-efficient approach that
maximizes environmental conservation, process efficiency, and cost savings while
minimizing costly cleanroom footprints.
Substantial Capital Investment: The project is projected to attract a total capital investment
of nearly $50 million. This substantial investment underscores the dedication to
strengthening the US supply chain for microelectronics and printed circuit boards.
Government Support: Calumet received a significant investment from the US Department
of Defense, which awarded them $39.9 million via the DPA Title III Program. This grant
empowers Calumet, in collaboration with Schmid, to enhance manufacturing capabilities
and contribute to national security.
Workforce Development: The partnership between Calumet and Schmid is driving
technological advancements while focusing on upskilling the US workforce. By establishing
advanced packaging and substrate manufacturing within the US, this collaboration creates
sustainable jobs and strengthens domestic expertise.

At the forefront of the next-gen technology, advanced packaging and substrates are driving advancements in miniaturization, integration, performance, thermal management, high frequency capabilities, speed, and energy efficient components and systems. Engineered to cater to the specific requirements of high-performance systems, advanced substrates play a pivotal role in enhancing functionality and efficiency. This is poised to shape the future of advanced packaging technology in the US, uniting these two industry leaders for this purpose. “The partnership between Calumet and Schmid signals a significant leap forward in advanced packaging and substrate technology, further enhancing the United States’ competitive position in the global market”, affirmed Stephen Vairo, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Calumet Electronics.

Christian Schmid, Schmid Chief Executive Officer, added “We are pleased to partner with Calumet to streamline the traditional lab-to-fab transition, in alignment with our shared mission as innovators and sustainable partners to the industry. We will create a lighthouse project in Calumet for the reshoring of technology and production to the US”.