GlobalWafers is a global leader in silicon wafer manufacturing. Revenue for this industry is projected to grow substantially over the next decade. Global efforts to strengthen domestic semiconductor production and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains have accelerated new manufacturing capacity in the United States.

Evidence of this is GlobalWafer America’s new production facility in Sherman, Texas – the first silicon wafer manufacturing facility built from the ground up in the US in over 20 years and one of the largest of its kind.

The architectural design of the facility, led by Page Southerland Page, required a building envelope solution that would meet the rigorous energy demands of semiconductor manufacturing while reflecting the modern, high-tech nature of the facility. 

To achieve these goals, Kingspan’s insulated metal panels (IMPs) were selected for their aesthetic versatility and strong thermal performance. The project features 261,635 square feet of QuadCore® Optimo panels, alongside 7,793 square feet of QuadCore® KS Micro Rib panels.

The panels’ design flexibility allowed the creation of a striking façade that enhances the facility’s sleek, modern appearance, while the variety of colors – Weathered Zinc, Ascot White, Pewter, Bright Silver and Indigo Blue – complements the architectural vision and brand identity of GlobalWafers. Subtle variations in color and texture highlight the entryway, where a highly reflective blue sheen pays homage to the CD-like wafers produced inside.

In addition to their design, Kingspan’s QuadCore® Optimo panels in a smooth profile and QuadCore® KS Micro Rib provide exceptional thermal efficiency, with high R-values up to 8.0 per inch and a continuous insulation core. These panels also help to seal the building’s envelope with just one system; unlike traditional multi-layer wall systems that require multiple materials to provide thermal, air, water, and vapor barriers, IMPs integrate all of these functions in one.

Furthermore, IMPs’ durability and weather resistance ensure the facility will remain low-maintenance and high-performing for decades, making them an ideal choice for this large-scale project in Texas’ extreme climate.

The use of Kingspan’s IMPs also accelerated the construction timeline, with the panels’ single-component system significantly reducing installation time for installer Auzmet compared to traditional multi-component wall systems. This allowed the project to be enclosed quickly, minimizing delays and enabling interior work to begin sooner. For facilities like this, the faster the construction is completed, the sooner they can start operations and generate revenue.

The global semiconductor market continues to expand, driven by increasing demand for artificial intelligence, automotive electronics, cloud computing, and consumer devices. This facility, completed in May 2025, will create more than 1,500 jobs and stimulate the local economy, contributing to the growth of Sherman as a key industrial hub. The integration of Kingspan’s IMPs in the construction process will help to strengthen the supply chain, shape the region’s future, and fuel innovation for years to come.