Hemlock Semiconductor Group, owned in majority by Dow Corning Corporation, has announced that it will begin the process of closing its polysilicon facility in Clarksville,Tennessee (USA), due to sustained adverse market conditions created by industry oversupply and ongoing challenges presented by global trade disputes. The company had reportedly spent over $1 billion in project, which was completed last year.

“As difficult as this is, the continued market adversity and complex political conditions have left no economically viable options for Hemlock Semiconductor to operate the site. It is unfortunate for both the company and the community that these conditions have forced us to take this action," said Denise Beachy, president of Hemlock Semiconductor.

Most of the approximately 50 Clarksville-based employees will have the opportunity to relocate to other Hemlock Semiconductor or Dow Corning sites, while others will receive a severance package.

Hemlock Semiconductor will continue to manufacture and sell materials from its Hemlock site in Michigan, USA, which has been in operation for more than 53 years, and has received more than $2.5 billion of investment in the last 10 years.

“Hemlock Semiconductor will continue to advance polysilicon technology, which has enabled the era of high-tech innovation that we are in today. Our nearly 1,000 employees will play an important role in helping our customers power the next generation of electronics and solar products,” added Beachy.

Hemlock Semiconductor is a leading provider of polycrystalline silicon and other silicon-based products used in the manufacturing of semiconductor devices, and solar cells and modules.