JX Nippon Mining & Metals USA Inc., which makes semiconductor materials, recently announced the completion of a $29 million land acquisition deal in Mesa.

The 65-acre greenfield site will serve as JX’s new base of operations for its semiconductor sputtering target business serving the North American and European markets. Furthermore, it will propel JX’s business development and become the center for advanced materials in North America, according to a release.

“Our region has a role to play in the United States’ semiconductor competitiveness, and Mesa is an ideal location for manufacturing operations,” Mesa Mayor John Giles said in the release. “This is a timely and exciting investment in our city, and we look forward to celebrating JX Nippon Mining and Metals Mesa groundbreaking in the coming months.”

JX will start phase one development in April 2022, which includes LEED-certified construction of two manufacturing buildings and an adjacent office building totaling approximately 240,000 and 27,000 square feet respectively. Phase one is targeted to start operations in early 2024 and will be capable of more than double the production of JX’s existing Chandler Plant, which opened in 1991. The project will also lead to the creation of more than 100 jobs by 2025.

“Today’s announcement represents another opportunity for JX to reinvest in Arizona’s vibrant semiconductor ecosystem and support the increasing needs of our customers,” Masago Kuwabara, president and CEO of JX Nippon Mining & Metals USA Inc., said in the release. “We’ve been a proud member of the East Valley and local semiconductor industry for over 30 years, and we look forward to our next 30 years and beyond.”

“JX Nippon’s continued investment in Arizona builds on the state’s reputation as a national semiconductor leader,” Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, said in the release. “JX has been a valued part of Arizona’s semiconductor industry for decades, manufacturing materials essential to semiconductor production. We look forward to supporting JX as they further expand in Mesa.”

The site, which is just southeast from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, will serve as a cornerstone for Mesa’s burgeoning advanced manufacturing district and is aligned with the city of Mesa’s vision, the release states.

“JX’s investment will be a tremendous economic boost to the Gateway area. The scale of the project and future expansion plans show how committed they are to southeast Mesa and the region,” Councilmember Kevin Thompson, District 6, said in the release.

JX’s overall project scope is conceptually designed to accommodate an additional three equally sized phases. When fully deployed, this would include an estimated total of 960,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehousing space. Implementation of subsequent phases will be based upon market demand and alignment with JX’s strategic plan.

About JX Nippon Mining & Metals USA Inc.

JX Nippon Mining & Metals USA Inc. is the North American operating site and 100% owned subsidiary of JX Nippon Mining & Metals Corp., Tokyo, Japan. JX USA supports both North American and Europe with sputtering targets used for semiconductor, flat panel, magnetic and optical thin film applications as well as compound semiconductor wafers.

JX Nippon Mining and Metals USA Inc. has grown to more than 125 employees during its 31 years in the East Valley. For more information on JX USA, go to nmm-jx-group.com. For more information on JX Nippon Mining & Metals Corp., go to nmm.jx-group.co.jp/english.