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Technica USA was pleased to attend the September 3, 2026, unveiling of Calumet Electronics’ Center for Advanced Substrate Technology (CAST), the nation’s first dedicated panel-level organic substrate facility. Built on U.S. soil, CAST represents a significant step toward strengthening America’s domestic semiconductor and advanced electronics manufacturing capabilities.
Every semiconductor requires a substrate, the foundational layer that connects the chip to the system it powers. Substrates are essential to enabling advanced radar, electronic warfare, high-speed computing, artificial intelligence, and next-generation communications. Yet, until now, the United States has remained heavily dependent on overseas sources for this critical capability. Recognizing this vulnerability, the Department of War called upon Calumet Electronics to help address the nation’s need for a domestic source of advanced substrates.
The Calumet Electronics team proudly unveiled its state-of-the-art CAST facility, made possible through a $54.7 million public-private investment supported by DPA Title III, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Calumet Electronics, and numerous industry and technology partners. The project demonstrates the impact that collaboration, investment, mentorship, and knowledge sharing can have in rebuilding critical domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Frank Medina, Vice Chairman of Technica USA attended the event on behalf Technica and its supply partner WISE s.r.l. and shared his perspective on the significance of the occasion.
“The CAST unveiling, led by Steve Vairo, CEO, and Dr. Meredith LaBeau, CTO, reflected a tremendous sense of gratitude to the many organizations and individuals who helped support the development of this operation,” said Medina. “I thoroughly enjoyed touring the facility and seeing firsthand the advanced equipment and high-performance technologies required to manufacture this type of technology and their hospitality for this event was first class.”
The CAST investment restores a critical manufacturing capability that had largely shifted overseas and represents a major step toward rebuilding America’s microelectronics ecosystem from the ground up.
Medina continued, “As a member of the PCBAA (Printed Circuit Board Association of America), a consortium of American companies and individuals supporting the domestic production of printed circuit boards, IC substrates, printed circuit board assembly, the materials used in their construction, and the associated equipment supply chains, it was extremely gratifying to see what can happen when we are able to bring together industry stakeholders and policymakers to help advance the capabilities needed to support a stronger and more resilient domestic electronics industry.”
During the event, Dr. Meredith LaBeau, CTO of Calumet Electronics, underscored the broader significance of this operation by stating the following “CAST is proof that America can still build what matters most. “
As a subsidiary of EMC Taiwan, Technica USA continues to expand its market presence by broadening its portfolio of advanced manufacturing technologies across both established and emerging markets. Through strategic partnerships with customers and supply partners, Technica USA remains committed to supporting the industries it serves with world-class equipment, technical expertise, and innovative manufacturing solutions.
