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Yerico grant to grow high-tech jobs
A major manufacturing expansion in Elgin is helping Texas strengthen its growing role in the global semiconductor industry, according to the Office of the Governor.
Gov. Greg Abbott recently announced a $1.3 million Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund grant to Yerico Manufacturing Inc. to support the company’s $13 million expansion project. Officials said the investment is expected to create dozens of jobs and modernize Yerico’s semiconductor equipment facility.
“Texas is leading a new era of innovation in manufacturing,” Abbott said in a statement. “Yerico’s $13 million expansion will help support the increased demand for chip production in Texas and around the world.”
Yerico, which opened in Elgin in 2002, builds specialized components for the semiconductor industry. Semiconductors power everything from smartphones to cars, making the industry vital to economic stability, according to Abbott.
The expansion aims to add 50,000 square feet of production space, increase monthly output of electrostatic components from 1,500 to 2,500 and add capacity for 1,000 more pieces of manufacturing equipment.
State Rep. Stan Gerdes, who represents the region, called the project a “game-changer” for the community and a key step in connecting local workers with high-tech careers.
“What excites me most is that our young people will now have the chance to step into high-tech careers without leaving their hometown,” Gerdes said.
Yerico plans to use the grant to build new facilities emphasizing quartz refurbishment, manufacturing, cleaning services and research and development.
“The TSIF grant will support the construction of new facilities and the acquisition of state-of-theart equipment,” Yerico CEO and President Ihn Hong Min said in a statement. “This expansion will improve our U.S.based technology, allowing Yerico to advance as a global supplier.”
Gerdes said the project highlights Texas’ expanding role in advanced manufacturing while preserving Elgin’s identity.
“Elgin will stay true to its small-town character while embracing opportunities that keep our economy strong, our workforce local and our future tied to Texas innovation,” Gerdes said.
The Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund was created under the Texas CHIPS Act, signed by Abbott in 2023. Texas has emerged as a growing hub for semiconductor design and production, competing nationally and globally as the U.S. works to strengthen domestic supply chains, according to officials.
