Semiconductor supplier Yarbrough, is nearly doubling its staff as it gears up for growth tied to a major customer in Hillsboro.
The company won’t name names but the likely driver of this growth is Intel (Nasdaq: INTC), which is expanding its massive Ronler Acres facility as it works to regain its manufacturing edge as well as address the massive global chip shortage.
Yarbough, part of manufacturer Watlow, has been in Hillsboro for eight years and has a current workforce of 25 people. It’s hiring for 20 technician roles with pay starting at $25 an hour, plus a retention bonus, the company said.
“As the global microchip and semiconductor shortages continue to hamper growth in several industries, we are accelerating our hiring plans to meet the needs of our customers,” said Rob Johnson, director of Yarbrough’s semiconductor business in a written statement. “The current high level of demand for our products is projected to continue for many years, ensuring long-term employment at our Hillsboro facility.”
The company said it will provide skilled training for the positions. Yarbrough provides installation and maintenance for semiconductor manufacturing facilities. Its parent company designs and makes thermal systems used in semiconductor manufacturing.
This is the latest company in the semiconductor ecosystem to announce expansion based on growth plans for its customers. Earlier this month Edwards Vacuum opened an innovation center in Hillsboro, after completing a major expansion. In March, chemical supplier JSR Micro opened a new manufacturing facility. Dutch company ASML, which makes critical lithography equipment for Intel, has also been steadily growing in Hillsboro. And equipment maker Lam Research Corp. announced a new facility in Washington County that would employ 300.
