Gresham's Place in the Silicon Forest
Oregon's electronics and semiconductor industry is often called the Silicon Forest, and while much attention goes to Hillsboro and Beaverton on the west side, Gresham has long been an important part of the story. The city hosts significant semiconductor fabrication facilities, which have provided thousands of skilled jobs and helped make East County a meaningful contributor to the state's technology economy.
Semiconductors are Oregon's largest export category, and federal investment in domestic chip manufacturing has renewed interest in expanding production capacity across the state. Gresham's industrial land, utility infrastructure, and workforce training programs at Mt. Hood Community College position the city well for continued growth. Below are ten electronics manufacturers that define the industry in and around Gresham.
The Top 10 Electronics Manufacturers Serving Gresham
1. Microchip Technology
Microchip Technology operates a major semiconductor fabrication facility in Gresham. The company produces microcontrollers, analog chips, and other components used in automotive, industrial, aerospace, and consumer products. Its Gresham fab is one of the city's most significant employers and a key part of Microchip's global manufacturing network.
2. onsemi
onsemi has long operated a wafer fabrication facility in Gresham, producing power and analog semiconductors. Its products support electric vehicles, industrial automation, and energy infrastructure, sectors that are growing rapidly worldwide.
3. Intel
Intel's largest research and manufacturing campus is in Hillsboro, making it the anchor of Oregon's semiconductor industry. Intel's presence shapes the entire regional supply chain and talent pipeline, including suppliers and workers based in East County.
4. Lattice Semiconductor
Lattice Semiconductor, headquartered in Hillsboro, designs low-power programmable chips used in communications, computing, industrial, and automotive applications. Its focus on energy-efficient designs makes it a standout in edge computing.
5. Tektronix
Tektronix, based in Beaverton, is a pioneer in test and measurement equipment. Its oscilloscopes and analyzers are used by engineers around the world to design and validate electronic systems.
6. Qorvo
Qorvo operates a facility in Hillsboro and designs radio frequency solutions for mobile devices, infrastructure, and defense. Its components are essential to modern wireless communication.
7. Teledyne FLIR
Teledyne FLIR, with major operations in Wilsonville, develops thermal imaging cameras and sensors used in public safety, industrial inspection, and defense. Its technology has broad applications from firefighting to building diagnostics.
8. Siemens EDA
Siemens EDA, formerly known as Mentor Graphics, is based in Wilsonville and develops electronic design automation software. Chip designers worldwide use its tools to create, verify, and manufacture complex integrated circuits.
9. Analog Devices
Analog Devices has operations in the Portland metro area and produces high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management chips. Its products are used in healthcare, automotive, and industrial systems.
10. FormFactor
FormFactor, which absorbed the Beaverton-based Cascade Microtech, supplies probe cards and test systems used to evaluate semiconductor wafers. Its equipment is critical to quality control in chip manufacturing.
Why Electronics Manufacturing Thrives Here
The region offers abundant clean water, relatively low-cost and low-carbon electricity, a deep talent pool, and strong research partnerships with universities. Gresham adds available industrial land, Enterprise Zone incentives, and proximity to major transportation corridors. Together, these factors make East County attractive to both established manufacturers and new suppliers.
Industry Trends
Federal incentives for domestic semiconductor production have spurred expansion plans across Oregon. Demand for power semiconductors is rising alongside electric vehicles and renewable energy. Advanced packaging, which combines multiple chips into a single module, is becoming a major area of investment. Workforce development remains a top priority, with community colleges and universities expanding semiconductor technician and engineering programs.
Careers in Electronics Manufacturing
Electronics manufacturing offers well-paying careers for people with a range of educational backgrounds. Technician roles often require a certificate or associate degree, while engineering positions typically require a bachelor's degree or higher. Gresham residents can take advantage of local training programs to enter this high-demand field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which semiconductor companies operate in Gresham?
Gresham has long hosted major wafer fabrication facilities, including operations run by Microchip Technology and onsemi. These sites produce chips used in automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.
What education do I need for a semiconductor job?
Many technician roles require a certificate or associate degree in electronics, manufacturing technology, or a related field. Engineering roles generally require a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, or physics.
Why is Oregon a good place for chip manufacturing?
Oregon offers a skilled workforce, clean water, reliable electricity, established supply chains, and decades of semiconductor expertise, making it one of the most important chip regions in the United States.
Final Thoughts
Gresham plays a vital role in Oregon's Silicon Forest, and the electronics manufacturers on this list are shaping the technologies of tomorrow. From microcontrollers made in local fabs to test equipment used worldwide, the region's electronics industry continues to drive innovation, jobs, and economic growth for East County.