
Everspin Technologies Expands U.S. MRAM Manufacturing Through Strategic Partnership with Microchip Technology
In response to accelerating demand for next-generation memory solutions, Everspin Technologies has announced a long-term strategic manufacturing agreement with Microchip Technology aimed at significantly expanding its onshore production capacity for Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory (MRAM) and Tunnel Magnetoresistive (TMR) sensor technologies.
This collaboration marks a critical step in strengthening domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities while ensuring long-term supply continuity for customers across industries such as aerospace, defense, industrial automation, and data infrastructure.
Addressing Growing Demand for Persistent Memory Technologies
As computing workloads evolve—driven by artificial intelligence, edge computing, and real-time analytics—the need for high-performance, non-volatile memory solutions has become increasingly important. MRAM, known for its unique combination of speed, endurance, and data persistence, is emerging as a compelling alternative to traditional memory technologies like DRAM and NAND flash.
Everspin Technologies has been at the forefront of MRAM innovation for over two decades, pioneering commercial deployment of persistent memory solutions. Its products are widely used in applications that require instant data retention, high reliability, and resistance to extreme environmental conditions.
However, as adoption accelerates, customers are placing greater emphasis not only on performance but also on supply chain resilience and manufacturing scalability. The new agreement with Microchip Technology directly addresses these concerns.
A Long-Term Manufacturing Agreement for Scalable Growth
Under the terms of the agreement, Everspin has entered into an initial 10-year contract with Microchip Technology, with the option to extend the partnership in two-year increments. This long-term framework provides both companies with the stability needed to invest in advanced manufacturing capabilities while supporting the growing global demand for MRAM solutions.
Central to this initiative is the establishment of a “copy exact (plus)” manufacturing line at Microchip’s semiconductor fabrication facility in Oregon. This approach involves replicating Everspin’s existing MRAM production processes—currently operated at its facility in Chandler, Arizona—while incorporating enhancements to improve efficiency, scalability, and performance.
The Oregon facility will produce both MRAM memory devices and TMR sensor products, expanding Everspin’s manufacturing footprint without compromising quality or consistency.
Leveraging Foundry Services While Retaining Core Expertise
One of the defining aspects of this partnership is the division of responsibilities between the two companies. Everspin will retain full ownership of its intellectual property, process technology, and design expertise, ensuring that its proprietary innovations remain protected.
At the same time, Microchip Technology will provide foundry services, leveraging its established fabrication infrastructure and operational expertise to support high-volume production. This model allows Everspin to scale its manufacturing capacity efficiently without the need for significant capital investment in new facilities.
Microchip’s Oregon fab is particularly well-suited for this role, offering a large and expandable manufacturing environment capable of supporting advanced semiconductor processes. The collaboration effectively combines Everspin’s specialized MRAM technology with Microchip’s manufacturing scale and operational efficiency.
Enhancing Supply Chain Resilience and Domestic Production
A key driver behind this agreement is the growing importance of onshore semiconductor manufacturing. In recent years, global supply chain disruptions have highlighted the risks associated with over-reliance on offshore production.
By expanding its U.S.-based manufacturing capacity, Everspin is positioning itself to provide customers with a more secure and reliable supply of MRAM products. The addition of a second domestic production source also introduces redundancy, reducing the risk of supply interruptions.
This is particularly important for industries subject to strict regulatory requirements, such as defense and aerospace. The partnership includes support for International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) wafer processing, ensuring compliance with U.S. export control laws and enabling the use of MRAM technology in sensitive applications.
Strategic Benefits for Customers and the Industry
The agreement delivers a range of strategic advantages for both Everspin and its customers:
- Increased wafer capacity: The expanded production capability will support Everspin’s growth plans and enable it to meet rising demand across multiple markets.
- Onshore second source: Customers gain access to a reliable, U.S.-based alternative for MRAM and TMR sensor products.
- Long-term supply continuity: The multi-decade framework ensures stable supply well into the future.
- Enhanced R&D opportunities: With additional manufacturing capacity, Everspin can accelerate research and development efforts aimed at advancing MRAM technology.
- Regulatory compliance: ITAR-compatible manufacturing enables deployment in highly regulated sectors.
These benefits collectively strengthen Everspin’s position as a leader in the MRAM market while providing customers with greater confidence in the availability and reliability of its products.
Maintaining Operational Continuity in Arizona
While the new manufacturing line in Oregon represents a significant expansion, Everspin will continue to operate its existing production facility in Chandler, Arizona. This site, co-located with NXP Semiconductors, has been a cornerstone of the company’s manufacturing operations for years.
The Chandler facility will serve as a benchmark for the new Oregon line, providing proven processes and operational expertise that can be replicated and optimized. By leveraging its extensive experience, Everspin aims to ensure a smooth and efficient ramp-up of production at the new site.
This dual-facility approach not only increases capacity but also enhances operational resilience, allowing the company to balance production across multiple locations.
Everspin expects the first products from the new manufacturing collaboration with Microchip to be shipped in the second half of 2027. This timeline reflects the complexity of establishing advanced semiconductor production processes while maintaining the high quality standards required for MRAM technology.
Looking ahead, the partnership is expected to play a key role in supporting the next phase of MRAM adoption. As applications become more data-intensive and performance-sensitive, the demand for persistent memory solutions is likely to continue growing.
Everspin’s expanded manufacturing capacity will enable it to address this demand while continuing to innovate and develop higher-density, more capable MRAM products.
Leadership Perspective on the Partnership
Sanjeev Aggarwal, President and CEO of Everspin Technologies, emphasized the strategic importance of the agreement. He noted that customers are increasingly seeking both advanced memory solutions and long-term supply stability, and that the partnership with Microchip provides the scale needed to meet these expectations.
Aggarwal also highlighted the role of the collaboration in advancing Everspin’s technology roadmap, enabling the company to continue pushing the boundaries of MRAM performance and functionality.
Michael Finley, Senior Vice President of Fab Operations at Microchip Technology, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, underscoring the company’s commitment to supporting innovative semiconductor technologies through its foundry services.
The collaboration between Everspin Technologies and Microchip Technology represents a significant milestone in the evolution of MRAM technology and its role in modern computing.
By combining advanced memory innovation with scalable manufacturing capabilities, the partnership addresses both the technical and logistical challenges associated with next-generation semiconductor production.
As industries continue to demand faster, more reliable, and energy-efficient memory solutions, MRAM is poised to play an increasingly important role. Everspin’s expanded manufacturing footprint ensures that it will remain at the forefront of this transformation, delivering the performance and reliability that modern applications require.
The strategic manufacturing agreement between Everspin Technologies and Microchip Technology underscores the growing importance of resilient, scalable, and domestically based semiconductor production.
Through this collaboration, Everspin is not only expanding its capacity but also reinforcing its commitment to innovation, quality, and long-term customer support. The addition of a second onshore manufacturing source, combined with continued operations in Arizona, positions the company to meet the evolving demands of the global memory market.
As MRAM technology continues to gain traction, this partnership provides a strong foundation for future growth, ensuring that Everspin remains a key player in shaping the next generation of memory solutions.
Source link: https://www.businesswire.com



