Space Coast Economic Development Commission: Rogue Valley Microdevices to Open Microfabrication Facility in Palm Bay

50,000-square-foot commercial building at 2301 Commerce Drive will result in a capital investment of $25 million

Oregon-based advanced manufacturing company specializing in microelectromechanical systems, has selected Palm Bay, Florida for the company’s second microfabrication facility.

BREVARD COUNTY • FLORIDA’S SPACE COAST – The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) announced Rogue Valley Microdevices, Inc., an Oregon-based advanced manufacturing company specializing in microelectromechanical systems, has selected Palm Bay, Florida for the company’s second microfabrication facility.

The EDC is dedicated to attracting new business and investment and expanding existing industry throughout the Space Coast, influencing change on government laws and regulations affecting economic development, promoting the Space Coast to encourage new investment, supporting efforts of Space Coast military installations, and relaying new programs and procedures to assist manufacturing and high-tech companies.

Rogue Valley Microdevices’ new Palm Bay facility will add 30 jobs over three years with an average wage of $59,900, with anticipation of hiring 75 new employees over five years with an average wage of $65,267.

The company’s acquisition of a 50,000-square-foot commercial building at 2301 Commerce Drive in Palm Bay will result in a capital investment of $25 million. The space will be reconfigured for a state-of-the-art cleanroom and office space, with initial production of its first MEMS devices slated for 2024.

“By adding to the cluster and advancement of this sub-sector of semiconductors, Rogue Valley’s contributions on the Space Coast will be impactful and far-reaching,” said EDC President and CEO, Lynda L. Weatherman.

“The EDC is proud to welcome Rogue Valley to Brevard County, continuing on our long legacy of building a strong and diversified economy, and look forward to assisting in their success on the Space Coast.”

“Our expansion to Palm Bay is the culmination of a multi-year search for the right location to grow our company and the MEMS and Sensor manufacturing industry,” said Jessica Gomez, Founder and CEO, Rogue Valley Microdevices.

“The Space Coast is a hub of scientific and technical innovation, which makes it an ideal location for us. We’re equally excited at the level of community support we’ve already received from both the city of Palm Bay and from the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast. We look forward to a long and collaborative relationship.”

“Semiconductors are vital to our national defense capability, our communications infrastructure and general modern-day life,” said Congressman Bill Posey. “We cannot afford to be solely reliant on foreign entities for key components of technology and I welcome Rogue Valley Microdevices to Florida’s Space Coast.”

“Brevard County and Palm Bay are open for business and home to a wide range of manufacturers in aerospace, defense and a growing semiconductor sector,” said Chair of Brevard County Board of County Commissioners, Rita Pritchett (District 1).

“Attracting a company like Rogue Valley Microdevices brings good-paying jobs to our community and increases our economic diversity. I know Rogue Valley Microdevices will find that Palm Bay is a wonderful place to call home.”

“We are excited to welcome Rogue Valley Microdevices to Palm Bay, where innovation meets opportunity! As we open our arms to embrace Rogue Valley, we celebrate the strength and ingenuity they bring to our thriving community. The addition of new high-tech jobs is a win for our City. Together, we will forge a path towards growth, collaboration, and economic prosperity,” said City of Palm Bay Mayor, Rob Medina.

“This MEMS foundry facility will both expand and diversify the state’s semiconductor industry. We are very excited to welcome Rogue Valley microdevices to Florida,” said David Arnold, strategic technology advisor, Enterprise Florida.

“Florida Tech welcomes Rogue Valley’s specialized MEMS capability in Palm Bay,” said Dr. John Harris, Dean of the College of Engineering and Science at Florida Tech.

“We are thrilled that working with our STEM university is an integral part of the company’s plans for growth.“

“Having a company like Rogue Valley Microdevices select Palm Bay for their second facility location is another prime example of the economic growth and community support that is attracting numerous companies to Brevard County. This company will be a part of the growing tech industries in the South Brevard area and will be providing a positive impact in numerous ways for years to come. Welcome and thank you for choosing Palm Bay!” said Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce Chairwoman, Holly Tanner.

“CareerSource Brevard is excited that Rogue Valley Microdevices has selected Brevard County to build its semiconductor manufacturing plant,” said CareerSource Brevard VP of Industry Relations, Thomas LaFlore.

“Over the next few years, their operations will bring more than 70 good paying jobs to the Space Coast, further strengthening our local economy. We are committed to support their workforce efforts as they transition to this area.”

MEMS and Sensors are integral components in automotive safety systems, aircraft, drones, robotics, drug-delivery systems and disease-diagnostic tools, home and commercial security systems, computer equipment, smartphones, and thousands of other electronic products.

Rogue Valley Microdevices has been serving companies from its Medford, Oregon facility since 2003. The company’s expansion will increase the domestic supply of MEMS and Sensor devices, which are strategically important across multiple industries.

MEMS and Sensor devices are not only essential to life-enhancing applications such as molecular diagnostics and environmental monitoring, but are also strategically important for LIDAR and next generation defense and aerospace products.

For more information visit RogueValleyMicrodevices.com.

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