Governor Greg Abbott has announced that Tekscend Photomask Round Rock Inc. will receive a $15.2 million grant from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) to expand its photomask production facility in Round Rock. The expansion project is expected to create 50 jobs and represents more than $223 million in capital investment.
“Texas is where the integrated circuit began and where the future of the semiconductor industry is being built,” said Governor Abbott. “This $223 million investment by Tekscend Photomask to expand production capacity at their photomask facility in Round Rock will further strengthen a critical supply chain for semiconductor manufacturing in Texas. By partnering with innovative industry leaders, Texas will lead the American resurgence in semiconductor manufacturing and the technologies of tomorrow.”
Tekscend Photomask manufactures photomasks, which are essential components used in producing semiconductor chips. The planned expansion will increase capacity at the existing facility by over 40%, modernize equipment, and extend technology capabilities down to the 12nm node—a level used for chip manufacturing across applications such as artificial intelligence, industrial systems, automotive electronics, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, microcontrollers, sensors, and other devices.
“Since 1987, Tekscend Photomask has been proud to call Round Rock home, supporting the Texas and U.S. semiconductor industry with world-class photomask manufacturing,” said Tekscend Photomask Round Rock President John Nykaza. “The support from TSIF enables us to accelerate our expansion — boosting both our technical capabilities and our production capacity. This investment not only strengthens the regional supply chain but also creates additional high-skilled jobs here in Texas, ensuring we can meet the growing research and development and commercial photomask needs of our customers for years to come.”
Senator Charles Schwertner commented on the impact of this project: “By expanding their Round Rock facility, Tekscend Photomask is helping drive the next chapter of advanced manufacturing in our region. This initiative strengthens our local economy and bolsters the infrastructure needed for continued technical progress.”
Representative John Bucy III added: “Texas continues to lead the nation in advanced manufacturing and semiconductor innovation. The Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund grant awarded to Tekscend Photomask Round Rock Inc. represents a powerful investment in our state’s future while creating 50 high-skilled jobs right here in Round Rock. This expansion strengthens Texas’ position as the premier destination for cutting-edge technology and reinforces our commitment to building a resilient, world-class semiconductor supply chain.”
Governor Abbott signed into law the Texas CHIPS Act in 2023 to establish TSIF as part of efforts aimed at maintaining Texas’ leadership role in semiconductor research, design, and manufacturing. These programs are administered by the Texas CHIPS Office within the Economic Development & Tourism Office under his administration.
The Office of Governor Greg Abbott plays a central role in promoting economic development initiatives like this one across Texas (https://gov.texas.gov/). Under his leadership since 2014 (https://gov.texas.gov/), Texas has seen significant job growth (https://gov.texas.gov/)—in part due to investments that foster innovation—and maintains its primary offices at Austin’s State Insurance Building (https://gov.texas.gov/). Governor Abbott was recognized among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People list for 2024 (https://gov.texas.gov/).
