Applied Materials to create 1,000 jobs in Singapore with S$600mn AI chip manufacturing expansion

The semiconductor equipment maker has opened a new Tampines facility that doubles its cleanroom capacity in Singapore, as global demand for AI-driven semiconductor technologies continues to rise.

Applied Materials has expanded its manufacturing and research and development (R&D) operations in Singapore with the opening of a new USD$500mn (S$600mn) Tampines Campus to support the global build-out of AI infrastructure.

The new facility more than doubles the company’s advanced cleanroom capacity in Singapore and strengthens its global manufacturing footprint, which includes operations in the United States, Europe, Israel, and Taiwan.

Said to already be operating at volume production, the Tampines Campus is focused on supporting chipmakers that are ramping up production to meet increasing AI-driven demand.

Gary Dickerson, President and CEO, Applied Materials, said AI is transforming industries and accelerating demand for advanced semiconductors.

“Our expanded manufacturing operations in Singapore strengthen Applied’s ability to deliver semiconductor manufacturing equipment that chipmakers need to bring next-generation chips to market faster,” he added.

The expansion is said to mark a major milestone in Applied Materials’ Singapore 2030 plan, which aims to strengthen the company’s manufacturing and R&D capabilities, broaden technology ecosystem partnerships, and support local workforce development.

The campus includes expanded manufacturing cleanrooms, additional production capacity, and R&D facilities to support customers globally and across the region.

With the expansion, Applied Materials expects to add about 1,000 new local jobs over the next few years to support industry growth and technology commercialisation.

KC Ong, Group Vice President, Worldwide Manufacturing, Applied Materials, said Singapore has played a strategic role in the company’s operations for decades.

“Singapore has been a strategic hub of Applied Materials’ global operations for 35 years, and our expansion here is a testament to the world-class semiconductor ecosystem, infrastructure and talent this country has built,” he said.

He further added that the new AI-enabled and automation-ready facility as part of the next phase of advanced manufacturing, designed to improve speed, precision, and quality in production.

The Tampines Campus also incorporates several intelligent manufacturing technologies, including Autonomous Mobile Robots, autonomous assembly and testing systems, and AI-assisted quality inspection.

According to the company, these technologies are intended to deepen integration between manufacturing, R&D, and ecosystem partners while accelerating time-to-market for new semiconductor technologies.

The facility also uses augmented and virtual reality tools to support technician training and precision maintenance operations.

In addition, the campus has been designed with sustainability in mind and is targeting Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Green Mark Platinum Certification.

Features include onsite solar panels, LED lighting, low-carbon concrete construction, a closed-loop water reclamation system for zero water waste, and a smart building management system that monitors energy and water consumption in real time.

Png Cheong Boon, Chairman, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), said: “Applied Materials’ use of advanced automation and AI technologies in their new facility will accelerate product development and push the envelope of advanced manufacturing capabilities in Singapore.”

Png added that the expansion is expected to strengthen Singapore’s semiconductor ecosystem while creating quality jobs and opportunities for Singaporeans.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore said Applied Materials’ expansion reflects the company’s long-standing confidence in Singapore as a key hub for semiconductor manufacturing and innovation, adding that its presence has grown from a small sales and service office established in 1991 to a major global operation with more than 2,000 employees today.

According to DPM Gan, the expansion comes at a time when geopolitical tensions and fragmentation in global trade and technology flows are reshaping supply chains, while AI is driving strong demand for computing power and semiconductor performance.

He said: “They will need reliable bases where they can anchor critical activities, access strong talent, integrate with deep ecosystems, and invest with confidence for the long term.”

"Through these efforts, more Singaporeans – especially our students – can secure a meaningful and exciting career in the semiconductor sector,” DPM Gan added.

Looking ahead, Applied Materials said it has nearly doubled its global manufacturing capacity in recent years, including through the new Tampines Campus, while investing more than US$400mn in equipment manufacturing infrastructure in the United States over the past five years.

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