Menlo Microsystems, Inc., based in California, recently announced at DesignCon in Santa Clara, California, the launch of three innovative reflective RF switch modules developed in collaboration with Withwave, a South Korean high-speed cable company. These new modules are designed to outperform traditional RF electromechanical relays by lasting 1,000 times longer. This announcement coincides with Menlo Micro’s July declaration of a substantial investment exceeding $50 million to establish a fabrication facility in Lansing, near Ithaca, New York. The “Ideal Fab,” set to be operational this year, will be the manufacturing hub for all Menlo switches.
The new facility, situated in the Cornell Business & Technology Park in Tompkins County, is expected to create at least 120 jobs, significantly contributing to New York’s burgeoning semiconductor fabrication industry. The park is already a nexus for corporate office and manufacturing buildings, with Menlo’s decision to settle in Tompkins County bolstered by investments from Corning Inc., a leader in glass manufacturing for the microchip sector. This move by Menlo Microsystems is poised to further enhance New York’s status as a semiconductor powerhouse.
Menlo’s entry into Tompkins County is warmly welcomed by local legislators and is seen as a positive development for the region’s tech landscape. However, challenges such as the lack of natural gas supply at the site and the need for a skilled workforce are highlighted as areas needing attention to sustain and attract future high-tech investments. Menlo Micro’s innovative products, crucial for testing technology in various applications, from smartphones to military communications, mark a significant step towards reinforcing New York’s competitive edge in the high-tech and semiconductor industries.
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