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II-VI EpiWorks Announces Major Expansion in Champaign

II-VI EpiWorks has announced a major expansion in Champaign – a new state-of-the-art production facility. The expansion is expected to be complete by mid-2017 and will enable a quadrupling of capacity in Champaign over the next three years. This project will bring 100+ new high tech jobs to our area.

“EpiWorks is a true community success story,” said Craig Rost, Executive Director of the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation. “The company started here in Champaign-Urbana at the University of Illinois, eventually graduating from EnterpriseWorks tech incubator in UI Research Park, and growing to a facility in Champaign. The acquisition of EpiWorks by II-VI, a leader in semiconductor lasers, expanded their market and production capability and gave our community a chance to grow a high tech employer. Their expansion here in Champaign County will add 120 new tech and engineering jobs and create a real boost to the local economy.”

“We had the pleasure of working with the II-VI EpiWorks team on their expansion plans,” said Rost. “We helped secure an EDGE Tax Credit for the company through the Illinois Department of Commerce.”

From the press release:

II-VI EpiWorks Undergoing Major Expansion

Champaign, IL, November 28, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – The II-VI EpiWorks Division of II‐VI Incorporated (NASDAQ:IIVI), a leading provider of compound semiconductor epitaxial wafers, today announced that it is breaking ground on a new state-of-the-art production facility in Champaign, Illinois.

The expansion is expected to be complete by mid-2017 and will enable a quadrupling of capacity in Champaign over the next three years. In addition to substantial epitaxial wafer production space, the new cleanroom will house a state-of-the-art wafer characterization and test laboratory. To operate the new facility, EpiWorks is actively recruiting experienced managers, engineers and technicians. This aggressive expansion enhances EpiWorks’ leadership position in the global compound semiconductor industry, supporting the performance and volume requirements for several key components that enable multiple growing markets. These include InP and GaAs-based optoelectronic communication components for cloud computing and datacenters, VCSELs for 3D sensing and next generation wide bandgap devices for 5G wireless infrastructure.

“High-performance compound semiconductors are required to meet the performance needs of modern communication networks, sensors, smartphones, wireless communications networks, and datacenters. Our technology is being adopted in many applications, and we are ensuring that our capacity continues to meet customer demand now and in the future,” said Giovanni Barbarossa, Chief Technical Officer and President of the Laser Solutions Segment. “The new capacity will support our RF and photonics businesses, and we will have more resources to research and develop new materials and products.”

“Immediately after merging with II-VI in February, we ordered three new MOCVD production tools and filled our current cleanroom space. These systems have already been installed, and we have now moved into the next phase of growth by expanding our cleanroom space, launching an aggressive hiring plan, and working to build the industry’s most technologically advanced and efficient manufacturing line.” said Quesnell Hartmann and David Ahmari, co-founders of II-VI EpiWorks.

“It is great to see EpiWorks continue to grow and create jobs in Illinois,” Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner said. “This company has a strong Illinois history, having been founded by University of Illinois alumni. EpiWorks’ success in Illinois is a testament to our state’s research universities, the ingenuity of our workforce, and the innovative community in Champaign Urbana. We hope to continue to be a partner with them to help grow their business within our borders and build upon this success.”

About II-VI Incorporated
II-VI Incorporated, a global leader in engineered materials and opto-electronic components, is a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets.

About II-VI EpiWorks
II-VI EpiWorks develops and manufactures compound semiconductor epitaxial wafers for application in optical components, wireless devices and high-speed communication systems. The company’s products provide these applications additional performance, such as greater bandwidth, higher power efficiency and better reliability. To learn more about EpiWorks visit www.epiworks.com.

CONTACT:
Dawn Sandone
217-531-6514
dawn.sandone@ii-vi.com
www.epiworks.com

View photos & video from the groundbreaking ceremony on November 28, 2016.

Press:

II-VI EpiWorks celebrates groundbreaking for upcoming major expansion, Smile Politely

II-VI EpiWorks Undergoing Major Expansion, The Wall Street Journal

Local High-Tech Company Expands Production Worldwide, FOX 55/27 Illinois

II-VI EpiWorks Breaks Ground On New US Production Facility, Compound Semiconductor

EpiWorks breaks ground on production expansion and wafer characterization and test lab, Semiconductor Today

II-VI breaks ground on VCSEL site expansion, optics.org

Grand Opening: The Tech Nest at AARP

Today we celebrated the Grand Opening of The Tech Nest at AARP at the University of Illinois Research Park, the latest addition to AARP’s Innovation portfolio! 

The new technology lab, a 2,700 square-foot innovation-focused facility, enables AARP to collaborate with University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign students and faculty on leading-edge, technology-based research and creative solutions to address the needs of the 50-plus population.

The Tech Nest will focus on developing prototypes in the fields of artificial intelligence, mobile apps, information security, biometrics and software engineering. By leveraging the university’s academic research and adjacent startup community, AARP will create opportunities to enhance the daily lives for us all as we age.

Luncheon speakers:

– Laura Frerichs, Director of University of Illinois Research Park
– Peter Schiffer, Vice Chancellor at UIUC
– Ed Seidel, Vice President for Research at UIUC
– Craig Rost, Executive Director at Champaign County Economic Development Corporation
– Terry Bradwell, Executive Vice President & Chief Enterprise Strategy and Innovation Officer at AARP
– Amy Doherty, Chief Information Officer at AARP
– Jose Hernandez, Vice President – Information Tecnology at AARP

Learn more about The Tech Nest: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161012006334/en/AARP-University-Illinois-Announce-Opening-Tech-Nest

Photos from the Grand Opening celebration: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154097470612807.1073741864.122833457806&type=1&l=e6498a948e

Photos from UI Research Park: https://www.facebook.com/uiresearchpark/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1255202107865298

Press:

Illinois American Water to Host Ribbon Cutting for One Million Gallon Elevated Water Tank

From the Illinois American Water press release:

Champaign, Ill. (Sept. 22, 2016) – Illinois American Water’s Champaign County District, the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce and the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation will celebrate the new one-million-gallon elevated water storage tank located at 2814 Hundman Drive in Champaign. A ribbon cutting will be held on Sept. 28, 2016 at 1 PM.

According to Dave Farrar, Sr. Operations Manager for Illinois American Water’s Champaign County District, this investment of over $3 million ensures reliable water service to customers. “The water tower is a critical component of our water infrastructure. The new tank will help ensure adequate supply for residents, businesses and fire protection,” said Farrar. This investment includes a steel tank that was built mostly at ground level and now sits on top of a concrete shaft, comprising the composite-style elevated storage tank. According to Farrar, using concrete for the shaft was both less expensive and requires lower future maintenance.

The new water tank also welcomes visitors to the area with both Illinois American Water’s logo and the You’re Welcome logo, representing a community campaign to brand Champaign-Urbana as a hub for innovation, attract top talent and companies, drive economic development, and brag about our micro-urban community. Craig Rost, Executive Director of the Champaign County EDC, a leader of the You’re Welcome campaign, said, “We are proud to have the You’re Welcome logo on the water tower. This investment not only enhances our community visually, but ensures water service for economic development.”

The U.S. EPA reports that the nation’s water utilities will need to make more than $384 billion in infrastructure investments by 2030 to ensure public health. These investments include replacing thousands of miles of pipe and upgrades to treatment plants, storage tanks and other assets. Illinois American Water’s investment in the Champaign County District is just another example of continuous investments and improvements being made, helping to meet the demands of today’s customers and planning for the future.

Photos: https://www.facebook.com/YoureWelcomeCU/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1095203890555872

Video from the ceremony: https://www.facebook.com/YoureWelcomeCU/videos/1095139803895614/

To see photos & video of its construction, visit: http://champaigncountyedc.org/youre-welcome-cu-reaches-new-heights

Village of Rantoul – Request for Proposals

Below is a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment of a key property in the Village of Rantoul. Responses are due by 5:00 pm (CST) on October 7, 2016.

Questions concerning the RFP should be directed to Jill Guth (contact info below) no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, September 16, 2016. All questions and corresponding answers will be posted on the Village of Rantoul website as well as emailed to the entire RFP mailing list by 5:00 pm on Friday, September 23, 2016.

Village of Rantoul – Request for Proposals

Jill Guth
Guth & Associates
217-778-8305
Jill.guth@outlook.com

www.guthandassociates.com

Champaign County First Trip

Craig Rost, our Executive Director, joined the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce and other community CC1stakeholders for the annual Champaign County First trip to Washington D.C., June 6-8.

Champaign County First is a united countywide effort to identify projects and/or initiatives that, when successfully completed, will greatly benefit the citizens of Champaign County; spur economic development; and improve the quality of life in Champaign County. Champaign County First partners are committed to advocating on behalf of the identified projects at the local, state and/or federal level with one voice in order to transform Champaign County.

Rost and others met with Amtrak, Senator Richard Durbin’s office, Senator Mark Kirk’s office, the United States Department of Transportation, and Congressman Rodney Davis, among others. Projects discussed: high speed rail, passenger rail, I-57/74 interchange, road and sewer improvements, and more.

 

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