On November 13rd, New York-based private equity firm ZMC has acquired a controlling stake in Pure Wafer, a leading U.S. provider of silicon wafer solutions and services, signaling a significant investment in the semiconductor industry's future. As part of the acquisition, ZMC plans to inject over $30 million into expanding and upgrading Pure Wafer's Prescott, Arizona facility, a key site for 200mm and 300mm silicon wafer reclamation.

The investment aligns with the broader surge in the global semiconductor market, which is projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2030. Pure Wafer, headquartered in San Jose, is the largest U.S. producer of reclaimed silicon wafers, a critical component for maintaining and testing semiconductor production equipment. The company's clients include industry giants like TSMC and Intel, both of whom are expanding their semiconductor operations in Arizona.

Tripling Capacity to Meet Market Demand

Pure Wafer's expansion at its Prescott facility will triple the site's capacity for producing 300mm silicon wafers over the next two years. This initiative will also lead to a 30% increase in the Prescott workforce, with plans to hire additional engineers and technicians to support the scaling effort. “We've had numerous customers request more capacity, and now we're in a position to deliver,” said Mark Borowicz, CEO of Pure Wafer.

In addition to upgrading its existing equipment, Pure Wafer has leased adjacent land to the Prescott facility for future growth, with plans to build another production facility. The expansion will also enhance Pure Wafer's range of silicon services, which includes thin films, parts cleaning, wafer brokerage, and specialty foundry services.

Driving Technological Innovation

Pure Wafer's partnership with ZMC underscores a shared vision for growth and technological advancement. “We are excited to support Pure Wafer's efforts to meet the surging demand in the semiconductor market,” said Andrew Vogel, Co-Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner at ZMC. “This investment will allow Pure Wafer to enhance its leadership position and accelerate innovation in silicon solutions.”

The acquisition positions Pure Wafer to take advantage of the rapid expansion of the semiconductor industry in the U.S., particularly in Arizona, which is becoming a major hub for advanced chip manufacturing. With the global demand for high-performance computing, AI, and 6G technologies, Pure Wafer is poised to play a key role in supporting new and existing semiconductor manufacturing facilities.

The move also reflects ZMC's strategic focus on capitalizing on the data explosion driven by technological advancements. The partnership with Pure Wafer marks a significant step in bolstering U.S. semiconductor production, which remains a critical priority for national security and global competitiveness.