Technology For a Safer Tomorrow

When you think of the future, what do you see? The solar panels and windmills that power our grids? The air conditioners that keep our families comfortable amidst a rising climate? Or perhaps the electric vehicles and charging stations that are driving us toward a more sustainable tomorrow?

What you probably don’t see are the high-voltage semiconductors buried deep inside each and every one of these products. Without them, our cutting-edge equipment would be a lot more . . . diminished. But fortunately, the future is bright, with a warm glow emanating from much closer than you might think.

Located in Bloomington, Minnesota, Polar Semiconductor has over five decades of experience in high-performance, automotive-grade semiconductor manufacturing.

Operating a state-of-the-art research and manufacturing facility, we produce thousands of semiconductors each week, many of which power the vehicles, appliances, and industrial products we use every single day.

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Semiconductors produced annually

Hear From The Team

“I’m a new hire but it feels like I’ve been working here for a long time. They appreciate me a lot and I’m happy to be here every day. It’s my place.”
Amina W.
Fab Operator
“It’s easy to talk to people and get comfortable with others. Everyone works well as a team. I’m not just another cog in the machine.”
Sam V.
Process Engineer Intern
“If you are willing to let Polar help you grow--have the willingness and drive--the opportunities will manifest here. ”
Juan C.
Equipment Maintenance Technician

History

Polar Semiconductor has come a long way since its first foundry was constructed in 1969. Today, we are one of the largest semiconductor companies in the United States—and the biggest in Minnesota. We operate a 310,000-square-foot facility with nearly half that dedicated to cleanroom space—a rare commitment to quality not seen in many U.S.-based operations.

1962

Polar Semiconductor is founded under the name Control Data and begins life as a manufacturer of ICs for the hard disk drive industry, primarily working on mainframe applications.

1969

Construction is completed on Polar’s first dedicated silicon foundry in Bloomington, MN.

1990

Control Data is now VTC Inc., an established leader in analog-mixed signal ICs for the hard disk drive industry. Global customers include Hitachi, Fujitsu, HP, Quantum, Seagate, and WD.

1995

Construction is completed on Polar’s new North Fab facility.

1998

Expansion continues as the Central Fab facility is opened a mere three years later.

2000

VTC Inc. becomes PolarFab, an independent, U.S.-owned and operated pure-play semiconductor foundry, servicing over 50 customers worldwide.

2001

Construction is completed on a 200mm Fab facility. Polar enters into a foundry agreement with Allegro Microsystems.

2005

SK Group acquires the company and the name Polar Semiconductor is officially adopted. It is now the Advanced Wafer Fab and Engineering Center for Sanken Electric.

2012

The PF-III shell is completed in July.

2018

The PF-III cleanroom is expanded to increase our 8-inch capacity. As a result, our 6-inch line is shut down.

Polar Semiconductor Ownership - Niobrara Capital and Prysm Capital

Ownership

Polar Semiconductor proudly serves as an independent technology development, engineering, and manufacturing center for semiconductor wafers. The company is majority-owned by the private equity firms Niobrara Capital and Prysm Capital.

Polar is doubling its production capacity to increase onshore wafer manufacturing, upgrading and modernizing its facility to become globally competitive through economies of scale, and delivering cutting-edge semiconductor solutions to the U.S. automotive, aerospace, defense, optoelectronics, MEMS, and medical device industries. Through this effort, Polar is creating 160+ new jobs, strengthening Polar’s commitment to its community and driving economic growth in the State.

Sustainability

Polar is deeply committed to its environmental initiatives. Whether in our own backyard or through the use of our devices around the world, we continuously strive to improve our energy usage.
View Our Eco Efforts

Leadership

Our management team and board of directors have helped make Polar the company it is today, and have a unique vision for what it can be tomorrow.
Meet the Team

Let's Work Together

We’re creating a smarter future one semiconductor at a time. Want to be part of the team that gets us there?

Explore Your Career at Polar