LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Greater Lafayette Commerce announced its support for the $4 billion SK hynix investment in West Lafayette on Thursday, less than a week from a proposed land rezone for the company heading to West Lafayette City Council.
SK hynix, a South Korean semiconductor manufacturer, first announced its plans in April 2024 to build a semiconductor fabrication plant, or a chip fab, on land owned by the Purdue Research Foundation in West Lafayette.
Initially, the plan was to build the factory at Yeager Road about a quarter of a mile north of Kalberer Road, referred to as Site A. But after discussions with PRF leadership, SK hynix officials expressed interest in a nearby site at the corner of Salisbury Street and Kalberer Road, dubbed Site B.
Site B generated backlash from residents who live in University Farms, a housing addition on the southeast corner of Salisbury Street and Kalberer Road.
GLC and its board of directors said Thursday in a news release that the project, set to bring 1,000 new jobs, bolster local industry and position Greater Lafayette as a key hub in the U.S. semiconductor network, was one it supports in light of recent community dialogue.
"GLC, in collaboration with the cities of Lafayette and West Lafayette, Tippecanoe County, Purdue University, Purdue Research Foundation and the state, played an instrumental role in attracting SK hynix to West Lafayette through its corporate attraction efforts," the release said. "The site will house an advanced semiconductor production line dedicated to next generation High Bandwidth Memory chips, the highest-performing DRAM technology available, critical to powering AI innovations, including platforms like ChatGPT."
Backlash for the proposed development appeared at the March Tippecanoe Area Plan Commission meeting, with dozens of West Lafayette residents and Purdue faculty members speaking in opposition of the proposed site for rezoning. The APC voting body ultimately voted "no" after hours of public input, but a final vote on the rezoning needed for Site B will be during the Monday West Lafayette City Council meeting.
Rachel Hazaray, outgoing chair of GLC's board of directors, said in the release a project of this scale naturally raises questions, but it also signals something significant: Greater Lafayette is at the epicenter of a semiconductor sector poised for exponential growth.
“What we’re seeing today with SK hynix is a rare opportunity,” Hazaray said in the release. "This investment lays the foundation to further modernize our regional economy — one that’s globally connected and locally rooted.”
The West Lafayette facility will contribute to the formation of the "Silicon Heartland," the release said, part of a broader national shift expanding semiconductor production beyond Silicon Valley to regions like Arizona’s “Silicon Desert,” Texas, Idaho, Ohio, New York and now Indiana.
"As the country's seventh semiconductor hub, this development represents a pivotal moment that is expected to spark further investment and strengthen the region’s economy, workforce and innovation ecosystem for years to come," the release said. "The semiconductor industry offers a broad spectrum of career opportunities — including stable, family-sustaining employment for individuals with or without a college degree.
"To meet future workforce demands, the region has allocated $5 million in state Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative funds to create a talent pipeline for high school students, college students, technicians and engineers in training," the release said. "Purdue University and Ivy Tech Community College are collaborating on semiconductor programs to support this critical workforce development."
Jody Hamilton, incoming chair of GLC board of directors, said the investment by SK hynix directly aligns with Greater Lafayette Commerce’s mission to advance economic and community prosperity for a superior quality of life.
“By attracting world-class, ethically responsible industry leaders like SK hynix, West Lafayette and the region is not only diversifying and strengthening its economic landscape, but also creating meaningful opportunities for residents, students and businesses alike," Hamilton said.
A third SK hynix info session will be on Saturday at West Lafayette City Hall. Taking place in council chambers with overflow room reserved in the Bean Room, the community meeting will kick off at 9 a.m. with a poster session and informational displays, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with SK hynix officials at 10 a.m.
Seating for the public info session is limited to 150 between the two rooms inside city hall, the announcement from the city said.
"PRF explored several larger venues in the West Lafayette community," the announcement said. "However, a larger space could not be secured for this final session due to prom season, school concerts and limited facility availability."
