Si&MEx pledges US$1.4bn to make semiconductors, solar panels in Brazil

Germany-headquartered Si&MEx Solutions GmbH inked MOUs with the municipal administrations of Campina Grande and Camaçari, in Brazil’s Paraíba and Bahia states respectively, to invest 8bn reais (US$1.44bn) to produce semiconductors and solar panels, among others.

Both deals are part of the same project and aim to supply the local energy and automotive segments.

The Paraíba deal involves tech transfer and personnel training, according to the municipal government. In Campina Grande, estimated investments are put at 6bn reais, the local government said in a release, generating up to 1,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Campina Grande is Paraíba’s second largest city after state capital João Pessoa.

The start of operations is expected for mid-2026, said the city hall. The factory will be installed in the Complexo Aluízio Campos industrial park.

In Camaçari, which is a traditional automotive hub, the investments are estimated at 2bn reais.

A critical raw material for semiconductors, Bahia is one of the largest producers of silicon in Brazil.

According to local press, Si&MEx plans three manufacturing units in the area, which will produce products from refined silicon to photovoltaic panels and semiconductors and generate 2,000 direct and 4,000 indirect jobs.

The expectation is that production will begin in 2027.

In the case of panels, the objective is to manufacture the first 100% national and recyclable solar module.

In June, the Camaçari industrial hub completed 46 years of existence. 

According to the municipal administration, around 90 companies are set up there. Together, they have around US$15bn in annual sales and generate 40,000 direct and indirect positions, according to the local authority.