ASM International announced plans for a new North American expansion to accommodate growing demand for research and development in the semiconductor industry. ASM is investing more than $300 million over a period of up to five years to design and construct the new state-of-the-art site on more than 20 acres in Scottsdale, Arizona. The new North American headquarters will cover 250,000 square feet, more than double the size of the current facility.

This total investment is a combination of capital expenditures related to infrastructure and lab equipment, and includes operational expenses such as the additional research and engineering jobs created with the expansion.

Specializing in the wafer equipment market, ASM’s focus is on the deposition of thin films, designing, making, selling, and servicing deposition tools to supply customers with advanced technologies used in wafer fabrication plants. ASM’s customers include the companies that make the world’s top semiconductor devices.

ASM currently employs over 800 people in Arizona and plans to hire an estimated 500 people over the next six years.