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Brewer Science urges state support for semiconductor manufacturing and CHIPS participation
Summary
Brewer Science told the committee that Missouri can play a role in rebuilding U.S. semiconductor capacity, asked lawmakers to maintain state programs that enable participation in federal CHIPS funding, and described company investments and workforce ties to Missouri universities.
Kevin Edwards, a 22‑year Brewer Science executive, told the Emerging Issues Committee that Brewer Science has remained headquartered in Missouri while the global semiconductor industry consolidated overseas and said state programs were critical to enable participation in federal CHIPS funding and other initiatives.
Edwards described Brewer Science’s role in photolithography materials and advanced packaging and said that while the United States once produced a majority of microchips, U.S. share has fallen substantially. He urged state action that improves access to capital and funds for research and product development, and he thanked the legislature for passing House Bill 7 in 2023 and the Department of Economic Development for quickly administering the state program that allowed Missouri companies to apply for federal CHIPS funds.
Edwards described Brewer Science’s long ties to Missouri education and workforce pipelines, including partnerships with Missouri S&T and Washington University in St. Louis. He said Brewer Science became an employee‑owned ESOP company in 2020 when the Brewer family gave employees a 33% ownership stake.
On capability, Edwards said advanced microchips and power devices remain almost entirely produced offshore today and that rebuilding capacity requires targeted investment, public‑private partnerships and state programs that match federal initiatives. The presentation was informational; committee members were invited to view Brewer Science facilities after the hearing and no legislative action was taken during the session.
