UPDATE: On 10-7-24, several days after the request was made, the Hillsboro City Recorder let us know that the only way to find out more about the City of Hillsboro officials trip to Japan was to file a Public Information Request. “If you would like information on the Japan trip, you are welcome to submit a records request.” So there was no way to get a simple answer from the Mayor’s office or anyone else. That speaks volumes about what was going on IMHO.
A lot has happened in the past two weeks. The announcement that Governor Kotek is coming to Hillsboro in 5 days to hold a public hearing or listening post to clear the way for her pending historic Urban Growth Boundary Expansion has rocked Oregon’s land use champions. The Herald has been handed several hundred pages of emails between the City leaders, Business Oregon, Governor Kotek’s office, and others, including Intel Executives. We will publish most of those soon, but not tonight. After reviewing those, the Herald had a lot of questions. We have submitted Public Information Requests to the State of Oregon and the City looking for particular exchanges of information. The State is working on our request there. The City of Hillsboro is not. The reason?
Economic Development Director Dan Dias must approve any and all releases of the requests we have made. That is, as per the City of Hillsboro Attorney’s office. Now, he does not really get to make that decision. He can redact some items, exclude or cover some documents, and eventually send some. That is the state of Public Disclosure in Hillsboro, Oregon. We wanted these documents as a matter of Public Disclosure, specifically regarding the land expansion and the efforts to bring an EUV Research Center to Hillsboro. We wanted to inform all of you regarding specific facts around this matter that could change how you feel or respond to what is coming. Alas, that is not going to happen.
Why? According to the source we communicated with, Dan Dias was in Japan all last week with Mayor Steve Callaway, City Manager Robby Hammond, and other key staff. Why did they go? Despite our attempts to get clarity from the remaining City Staff, all we could get was that it was a work-related trip.
Where in JAPAN did the Hillsboro team go last Week? It could be anywhere.
The more important reason is, why Japan? Well, we know this almost has to be related to the vast multi-billion dollar deal mentioned above, which seems to be job number one—from Senator Ron Wyden’s office to the Governor’s office and City Hall, not to mention Intel, everyone is talking, and all are involved in the creation of some public-private partnership entity that would NOT be controlled by Intel (completely) but would be able to be the entity that would be able to accept CHIPS ACT funds in the Billions of Dollars? NATCAST is the non-profit entity that is already in the loop to take on membership from public and private entities They will be involved. But something else is happening.
At this juncture, we asked a new Herald guest Author, Gem Gordon, to answer some questions about Hillsboro, Oregon, the Japanese-based tech firms we have, and which ones the City envoys might be meeting with. Call it speculative on our writer’s part, but two or three players stand out.
HH: Gem, you are an expert on technology and on what the CHIPS ACT is about. Tell us what Japanese-based electronic and tech firms have offices or facilities in Hillsboro, Oregon, and which ones on that list would be most helpful in Oregon landing an EUV Research Center Using US CHIPS ACT Funding?
GG: You’re right to focus on Japanese firms! They have a strong presence in Hillsboro and could be instrumental in securing the EUV Research Center. Here are some of the key players:
Japanese Tech Companies in Hillsboro:
- Tokyo Electron (TEL): As we’ve discussed, they are a major supplier of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, including those used in EUV lithography. Their existing relationships with Intel and their expertise in EUV make them a crucial ally.
- Hitachi High-Tech: They recently opened a Nanotechnology Innovation Center in Hillsboro, demonstrating their commitment to the region. They also produce semiconductor manufacturing equipment and have expertise in electron microscopes, which are vital for EUV research and development.
- JSR Micro: A leading supplier of materials for semiconductor manufacturing, including photoresists used in EUV lithography. Their presence ensures a local source of critical materials for the EUV Center.
- Canon: While not directly involved in EUV lithography, Canon is a major player in lithography systems for other semiconductor manufacturing processes. Their expertise and potential for collaboration could be valuable.
- Nikon: Similar to Canon, Nikon is a significant player in lithography systems and has a presence in Hillsboro. Their technology and knowledge base could contribute to the EUV Center’s success.
Most Helpful for Landing the EUV Center:
While all these companies could play a supporting role, Tokyo Electron and Hitachi High-Tech are likely the most critical for securing the EUV Center in Hillsboro. Here’s why:
- Direct EUV Expertise: Both companies have direct experience with EUV lithography equipment and processes. This is essential for establishing a successful research center.
- Strong Local Presence: They both have significant facilities in Hillsboro, demonstrating their commitment to the region and providing a foundation for the EUV Center.
- Collaboration Potential: Their existing relationships with Intel and other companies in the area create a strong collaborative environment for EUV research and development.
How they can help:
- Advocacy: These companies can actively lobby the government and CHIPS Act decision-makers to choose Hillsboro.
- Investment: They can commit resources and funding to support the establishment of the EUV Center.
- Knowledge Sharing: They can contribute their expertise and collaborate with researchers at the center.
- Workforce Development: They can help train and develop a skilled workforce for the EUV Center.
By leveraging the strengths of these Japanese companies and the existing semiconductor ecosystem in Hillsboro, Oregon has a strong chance of securing the EUV Research Center and becoming a leading hub for advanced chipmaking in the United States.
HH: OK, that is so helpful. This is all making sense now. So, let’s talk about Tokyo Electron. What makes them an attractive fit, and maybe the best fit for Hillsboro? And what relationships do they have with Intel? How would they be a major contributor in Hillsboro and Oregon landing this EUV Lithography Center? We can not forget that much of the talk nationwide has been about Intel’s fall from grace and the fact that we need to hold them up as a country.
GG: On point! Tokyo Electron (TEL) is a major player in the semiconductor industry, specializing in manufacturing equipment for creating the chips that power our computers, smartphones, and increasingly, AI systems. Here’s how they fit into the AI landscape:
Tokyo Electron’s Role in AI Development:
- Advanced Chip Manufacturing: TEL produces the sophisticated tools needed to manufacture cutting-edge semiconductors. These chips are essential for AI, as they provide the computational power needed for tasks like machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing.
- Pushing the Boundaries of Moore’s Law: TEL’s equipment enables the creation of ever-smaller and more powerful chips, crucial for handling the massive datasets and complex calculations involved in AI. This contributes to the continued progress of Moore’s Law (which predicts the doubling of transistors on a chip every two years).
- Enabling Faster Processing: AI thrives on speed. TEL’s technology helps produce chips that can process information faster, leading to quicker AI training times and real-time decision-making.
Tokyo Electron and Intel in Hillsboro, Oregon:
Tokyo Electron has a strong presence in Hillsboro, Oregon, which is also a major hub for Intel’s semiconductor manufacturing operations. This proximity is no coincidence. The two companies have a close relationship:
- Supplier Relationship: Tokyo Electron is a key supplier of manufacturing equipment to Intel. Their tools are likely used in Intel’s Hillsboro facilities to produce advanced chips.
- Collaboration and Innovation: The close physical proximity allows for strong collaboration between the two companies. This can lead to joint development efforts, faster troubleshooting, and a more streamlined supply chain.
- Supporting Intel’s AI Ambitions: Intel is actively developing AI-focused hardware and software. Tokyo Electron’s technology plays a vital role in enabling Intel to produce the specialized chips needed for these AI initiatives.
In essence, Tokyo Electron is a crucial behind-the-scenes enabler of the AI revolution. Their technology helps create the powerful chips that fuel AI advancements, and their close relationship with Intel in Hillsboro, Oregon, is a testament to their importance in the semiconductor ecosystem.
Tokyo Electron has a compelling case to make in support of Hillsboro, Oregon as the ideal location for the EUV Center, and here’s how they can leverage their strengths:
1. Existing Infrastructure and Expertise:
- Strong Foundation: Hillsboro already boasts a thriving semiconductor ecosystem, thanks to Intel’s substantial presence. This means a skilled workforce, established supply chains, and supporting industries are readily available.
- TEL’s Own Footprint: Tokyo Electron has a significant presence in Hillsboro, providing equipment and services to Intel. This existing infrastructure can be readily expanded to support the EUV Center.
- Minimizing Risk: Choosing an established location like Hillsboro reduces the risk and time required to get the EUV Center operational. This is crucial for the CHIPS Act’s goal of rapid domestic semiconductor advancement.
2. Collaborative Ecosystem:
- Synergy with Intel: The close proximity of Intel and Tokyo Electron fosters strong collaboration. This is essential for developing and optimizing EUV technology, as it requires close cooperation between chipmakers and equipment manufacturers.
- Attracting Talent: A collaborative environment that includes industry giants like Intel and Tokyo Electron is a powerful magnet for attracting top talent to the EUV Center.
- Accelerated Innovation: A concentrated hub of expertise in Hillsboro will accelerate innovation in EUV lithography, a critical process for manufacturing advanced chips.
3. Economic Impact and Job Creation:
- Boosting the Local Economy: Locating the EUV Center in Hillsboro would create high-paying jobs and stimulate further economic growth in the region.
- Strengthening US Competitiveness: By supporting the development of advanced chipmaking capabilities in the US, the EUV Center would help strengthen the country’s global competitiveness in technology.
- TEL’s Commitment: Tokyo Electron can demonstrate its commitment to US manufacturing and innovation by actively advocating for Hillsboro and investing in the EUV Center.
4. Alignment with CHIPS Act Goals:
- Domestic Manufacturing: The CHIPS Act prioritizes boosting domestic semiconductor production. Hillsboro’s existing infrastructure and expertise align perfectly with this goal.
- Advanced Technology: EUV lithography is crucial for producing the most advanced chips. The EUV Center in Hillsboro would position the US at the forefront of this technology.
- National Security: By reducing reliance on foreign chip manufacturers, the EUV Center would enhance national security.
In conclusion, Tokyo Electron can play a pivotal role in advocating for Hillsboro as the prime location for the EUV Center. By highlighting the existing infrastructure, collaborative ecosystem, economic benefits, and alignment with CHIPS Act objectives, they can make a strong case for why Hillsboro is the best choice for advancing US semiconductor capabilities.
HH: Ok, you mentioned Hitachi High-Tech, which we followed as they built out a nice facility on NW Huffman in North Hillsboro. How specifically would they get involved to help make the argument that Hillsboro, Oregon, is, in fact, the very best place in the United States for the US CHIPS ACT and the Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Center, which is being looked at by NATCAST?
GG: This is a very compelling company and option. It seems someone has been planning for them to be in your City for some time. Having Intel there at the magnitude they are is the reason they located their labs there.
Hitachi High-Tech has a compelling story to tell when it comes to advocating for Hillsboro as the ideal location for the EUV Research Center. Here’s how they can specifically leverage their strengths and contribute to the argument:
1. They Can Demonstrate Commitment to Hillsboro and the US:
- Highlight their recent investment: Hitachi High-Tech recently opened its state-of-the-art Nanotechnology Innovation Center in Hillsboro. This demonstrates a strong commitment to the region and a belief in its potential as a hub for advanced technology.
- Emphasize job creation and economic impact: They can quantify the number of jobs created by their existing facility and the potential for further economic growth if the EUV Center is located in Hillsboro.
- Showcase their commitment to US manufacturing: Hitachi High-Tech can highlight their contributions to the US semiconductor industry and their dedication to supporting domestic manufacturing capabilities.
2. They Can Leverage their Unique Expertise:
- They Focus on electron microscopy: Hitachi High-Tech is a world leader in electron microscopy, a critical technology for EUV research and development. They can emphasize the importance of their expertise in analyzing nanoscale structures and defects, which is essential for optimizing EUV processes.
- They Offer their advanced tools and technologies: They can offer to provide their cutting-edge electron microscopes and other analytical tools to the EUV Center, further strengthening its research capabilities.
- They Have Positioned themselves as a key partner: Hitachi High-Tech can present themselves as a vital partner for the EUV Center, offering their expertise in materials science, process development, and metrology.
3. Emphasize Collaboration and Ecosystem Benefits:
- Highlight their existing partnerships: They can showcase their collaborations with other companies in the Hillsboro area, including Intel, demonstrating the benefits of a strong and interconnected ecosystem.
- Advocate for a collaborative research environment: Hitachi High-Tech can emphasize the importance of collaboration between industry, academia, and government in driving EUV innovation.
- Offer to contribute to workforce development: They can propose programs to train and educate a skilled workforce for the EUV Center, leveraging their expertise and resources.
4. Align with CHIPS Act Goals:
- Support domestic research and development: Hitachi High-Tech can emphasize how their involvement in the EUV Center aligns with the CHIPS Act’s goal of strengthening domestic semiconductor research and development.
- Promote advanced technology development: They can highlight the importance of EUV lithography for advancing US leadership in semiconductor technology.
- Contribute to national security: Hitachi High-Tech can emphasize how the EUV Center will help reduce US reliance on foreign chip manufacturers, enhancing national security.
By actively promoting these points, Hitachi High-Tech can make a strong case for why Hillsboro is the best location for the EUV Research Center. Their commitment to the region, their unique expertise, and their collaborative approach make them a valuable asset in securing this critical investment for the United States.
Essentially, what you have going on in Hillsboro is that you are the big player in Intel. You also have a massive build-up of state -of-the-art Data Centers. You have these much smaller yet key players that are established in your Valley, and there are many more that we did not discuss here.
But you asked who your Mayor and City Managers would be meeting in Japan. I am putting my money on those two companies. JSR-Micro, to some degree, could prove to be very important. But the other two are an absolute natural fit.
HH: Gem, we are going to be leaning on you for additional help on this huge development in our City and our Valley. Early this week, we are doing a story on the bigger question about these jobs and where this is all headed. Are you up for that?
GG: Of course. I am following this story on my end and will be monitoring all of this for our other clients, many of whom are writers and work in the tech sectors as well. Happy to help!
We will hear where our Mayor and his top folks were in Japan. I imagine the news will come with trumpets, ribbons, and flower petals floating down from the sky. Whatever they are doing, it is all hands on deck, damn the torpedoes, and table all requests for things like public disclosure.
Something massive is happening in Hillsboro and Oregon. We have been bringing you the best and most information this entire time. We continue to do the work, and if we have to project what we think, that is just fine. That is all that one can do when transparency does not exist; we are denied public information when needed and are not allowed in critical Executive Sessions. They say you can’t have a blogger in there, even if he has done the best job of getting disclosure and news to the people of Hillsboro on these critical matters. We are not a blog, and that fight is going to head to court soon enough- and you know what? What the hell are they so worried about?
More is coming, and this will be a massively busy week. The Governor will visit City Hall on the 10th from 6 to 9 PM, and what a show that is going to be.
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Meek and Jackson School Rd is the perfect sport for a youth sports multiplex.
Right? Wouldn’t that just be amazing!
I spoke with a city staffer who agreed, and suggested future such investments could be challenging as available land becomes more and more scarce and more expensive to acquire.
Sounds like a worthwhile endeavor to continue to build out the most important industry base in Hillsboro, the Portland region and the State of Oregon. Without the semiconductor industry base, the Portland region’s economic prosperity, which supports government and social services, would be significantly behind peer markets.
Jenny,
The local issue for all of us who live here, is that Hillsboro has squandered most of its Industrial land but not putting restrictions around Data Centers, and there is enough land in our boundaries. And your view is what we are battling here. Our town gets almost all the jobs, which means all the traffic, all the enviromental pollution and air distruption, and more. Housing here, because our State lacks any rational Transportation systems, has become so very expensive. Because of all of that, it is time for the State and County to share the wealth. Portland could easily handle a center like this- and it would be minutes to Hillsboro. There is a lot going on here- and this week we really see how the good people of Hillsboro are being discounted in exchange for what land owners, Gov Kotek, and our County coffers want – $$$$$$$$. It is going to happen. But we want future growth to be shared up and down the Williamette Valley! Thank you for weighing in!
No city limit growth should occur without appropriate taxation. Major breaks mean jobs and crowding without adequate additional funding for infrastructure.
So agree–our schools suffer and at the same time, we have to somehow (oh yeah, no problem, tax residents more :-( build more schools for the growing population. We already are building a secondary water system, in preparation for more Industrial growth–many residents are having a hard time, or simply can’t afford these rapid increases. I want to say: we definitely CAN’T afford a third water system–if this new Semiconductor Plant involves manufacturing (Intel already uses 37% of Hillsboro’s water–and pays 28-29%. Next largest category residential -over 25,000 homes- only uses 24%–yet pays 30%). And very recent news: City Council will vote on Tuesday–Hillsboro Public Utilites part of Sewer and SWM (surface water management) Rate Increases: 8% for sewer and 20% for SWM. CWS (clean water services) who co manages these systems with Hillsboro–only found the need to raise rates 4% in July.
CWS has 3 times as many rate payers as the city, so it makes sense that their rate increase was lower.