On April 4, 2024, SK hynix, a leading semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in South Korea, announced its intent to build their second US-based manufacturing location in West Lafayette, Indiana.
The 430,000-square-foot facility will produce and develop the next generation of high-bandwidth memory chips, crucial for AI applications. The proposed facility is projected to create up to 800 jobs by 2030.
The project has secured significant incentives, including:
Up to $458 million in direct federal CHIPS Act funding plus an additional $500 million dollar loan
Up to $700 million from Indiana, the state's largest economic development package at the time
Approximately $60 million in incentives and in-kind services from the Purdue Research Foundation (PRF) and Purdue University
The cities of West Lafayette and Lafayette, Tippecanoe County, and Duke Energy all offered additional incentives
Timeline
Early 2025
The original plan was for this facility to be located on 90 acres north of Kalberer Road and west of Yeager Road (Site A).
Just across Yeager Road from Site A, is an additional 121 acres of available land also owned by PRF (Site B). Upon seeing both Sites A and B, SK hynix identified that Site B would actually better meet the needs for this specific facility, which could then free up Site A to serve as a base for many of their 143 suppliers.
In order to build on Site B though, PRF submitted the rezone request to change it from R1 (residential) to I3 (heaviest industrial).
March 19, 2025
Tippecanoe County Area Plan Commission (APC)
After over two hours of public comment, including strong opposition from residents and Purdue faculty citing health, safety, and environmental risks due to the site's proximity to neighborhoods and schools, the APC voted 9–5 to recommend denial of PRF’s zoning petition for
Site B.
The final decision would then be made by the West Lafayette City Council.
April 7, 2025
West Lafayette City Council
PRF and SK hynix requested a one-month delay in the rezone petition vote for Site B, which was unanimously granted by the West Lafayette City Council. In their remarks, SK hynix described the March 19th APC meeting as a “humbling" opportunity” and that this extra time would allow them to begin engaging with the community.
April 2025
SK hynix and PRF jointly held a series of three public information sessions during April and into early May.
Meanwhile, a coalition of community members in opposition of the rezone from across West Lafayette and broader Tippecanoe County continued to grow through public outreach and awareness campaigns.
Photo: Dave Bangert
Photo: Dave Bangert
Photo: Dave Bangert
May 5, 2025
West Lafayette City Council
A few hours before the City Council meeting, PRF announced a plan to downzone Site A (from its current I3 to Office/Research) contingent on getting industrial zoning approval for Site B at that evening’s City Council meeting.
After over five hours and nearly 100 speakers, the West Lafayette City Council voted 6–3 to change Site B from residential to heavy industrial. Despite the compromise, many residents still felt unheard and vowed to stay politically engaged.
