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Sustainable HVAC Co. Opens Manufacturing Facility, Boosting Data Center Cooling Solutions

·        XNRGY Climate Systems, a leader in innovative and sustainable HVAC solutions, announced the grand opening of its new manufacturing facility within the Gateway East development in Mesa. The 275,000-square-foot facility, which begins production on May 1, 2025, marks a significant milestone in XNRGY’s commitment to supporting the booming data center market and driving technological advancements in thermal management. Initially staffed with 130 employees, XNRGY anticipates adding 300 new jobs by the end of the year, contributing to the local economy and fostering skilled labor in the region.  Link to story >

Air2O Expands New Phoenix Manufacturing Facility Fivefold, Plans to Create Over 200 Jobs

·     Air2O, a global leader in advanced thermal management solutions for mission-critical environments, is pleased to announce moving into its new 186,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Phoenix in June 2025 and will be operational in the fall. Air2O anticipates hiring 200-plus employees through 2026 to meet increasing demand for innovative products such as its Air2O Wall for data center cooling, dual voltage Liquid Load Banks for commissioning of liquid cooled data centers, desiccant dehumidification solutions for low dew point applications such as lithium ion battery manufacturing, custom clean room air handling units for the semiconductor industry, and other thermal management solutions that enable precise temperature and humidity control in the most sensitive environments.  Link to story >

Fresh Start and Benchmark launch manufacturing career pathway for women

·        Fresh Start Women’s Foundation and Tempe-based Benchmark Electronics, Inc., a global leader in engineering, design, and manufacturing services, have joined forces to create long-term career opportunities for women in the Valley. The partnership will provide free online and hands-on job training, industry-recognized certifications, and direct access to well-paying job opportunities in advanced manufacturing. 

       "Partnering with Fresh Start allows us to connect with motivated, resilient women who are ready to learn new skills and thrive in high-tech careers,” said Rhonda Buseman, SVP, Chief Human Resources Officer at Benchmark. “By aligning our workforce needs with targeted training and direct access to talent, we’re creating a pipeline that not only strengthens our business but also helps build economic mobility for women in our community."  Link to story >

Amazon HR exec weighs in on hiring, DEI and unionization in Arizona warehouses

·        Amazon has 20 fulfillment and sortation centers and 12 delivery stations in Arizona which employ more than 36,000 people. The company is Arizona’s third-largest employer, and within the last year it has opened three new warehouses in Glendale, Buckeye and Goodyear. So how does Amazon compete? The Business Journal sat down with J. Ofori Agboka, Amazon’s vice president of people experiences and technology, during a recent visit he had in Phoenix where he spoke at the I4CP: Next Practices Now conference. Beyond benefits the Business Journal asked Agboka about the company’s stance on diversity, equity and inclusion hiring practices and efforts to unionize warehouses.  Link to story >

Lucid to Acquire Select Facilities and Assets of Nikola

·        Lucid Group, Inc., maker of the world’s most advanced electric vehicles, announced it has reached an agreement to acquire select facilities and assets in Arizona previously belonging to Nikola Corporation, subject to approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. The transaction does not include the acquisition of Nikola’s business, customer base, or technology related to Nikola’s hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks. Additionally, Lucid plans to offer employment to more than 300 former Nikola employees in roles across Lucid’s Arizona facilities. These offers will encompass various technical salaried and hourly positions including manufacturing engineering, software, assembly, vehicle testing, and warehouse support as Lucid welcomes employees with strong backgrounds in EV technology and further supports its local community.  Link to Story > 

LG Energy Solution Selects Honeywell for Battery Plant Automation in Queen Creek

LG Energy Solution has selected Honeywell to provide building automation services for its electric battery manufacturing plant under construction in Queen Creek. Honeywell (Nasdaq: HON) will deploy its building automation technologies — including cybersecurity services, fire alarm systems and facility monitoring — to enhance operations and improve safety at the 1.3-million-square-foot cylindrical battery manufacturing plant, which is slated for completion in 2026. LG Energy Solution’s battery plant will utilize Honeywell Forge, an Internet of Things platform that ensures resiliency of critical systems, helping reduce “unplanned reactive work” and lower energy costs, according to the company.  Link to story >

Cargill partners with ASU to explore bio-based materials in chip manufacturing

·       Cargill Bioindustrial is partnering with Arizona State University on a one-year research project focused on usage of advanced materials in semiconductor technology. The Minnesota-based agribusiness giant’s bioindustrial team is working with scientists at ASU’s Biodesign Institute to study the performance of a compound known as Priamine dimer diamine, often used in computer chip packaging materials, and how the product could be used to improve speed, efficiency and reliability of electronic devices. The Cargill and ASU research partnership marks the latest of many semiconductor-related announcements involving the university.

“As the U.S. cultivates investments in this industry, ASU’s ongoing research and workforce development are driving innovation and training the next generation of engineers and scientists,” Sally Morton, executive vice president of ASU Knowledge Enterprise, said in a statement. “Arizona is the place to help secure a lab-to-fab ecosystem.”  Link to Story >

GenTech helps Phoenix elementary school students learn skills local tech companies want in future workers

      GenTech, a technology support company, is partnering with the Balsz School District in Phoenix to teach kids about AI, coding, robotics and more. Lessons reflect the skills local tech companies want their workers to have, according to GenTech COO Michael Wilson.

“In Arizona there’s so much tech coming here, and you know, we see it all the time with new investments of technology companies coming to the Valley. So, we want those kids to also be prepared for those future jobs,” Wilson said. One of the companies consulted to shape the lessons was the Taiwanese Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC).  Link to Story >

From infrastructure to beautification, utility grants build a stronger, smarter Eagar

With the help of the Joint Utility Grant Funding Program — a collaborative effort by Arizona Public Service, Salt River Project and Tucson Electric Power, providing more than $150,000 in utility-backed support — Eagar has launched projects that are saving water, expanding public safety, enhancing Main Street and strengthening its long-term development prospects. The grant program was created to support communities affected by the closure of coal-fired power plants, especially those within 75 miles of the affected sites, and from the outset, Eagar stood out.  Link to story > 

$14 billion in clean energy projects canceled in US this year, including Arizona

·       More than $14 billion in clean energy investments in the U.S. have been canceled or delayed this year as the current administration’s megabill raised fears over the future of domestic battery, electric vehicle and solar and wind energy development. Some of the most recent cancellations include the Kore Power battery factory in Arizona.  Link to story >