Governor Greg Gianforte joined Lattice Materials on Apr. 9 for the groundbreaking of an 80,000 square-foot advanced manufacturing facility in Bozeman. The company, which was founded in Bozeman in 1989, currently operates a 30,000 square-foot site and produces silicon and germanium parts for industries including defense, medical technology, semiconductors, security, research, and renewable energy. The expansion is expected to create 50 high-paying jobs over the next three years.
The event highlights Bozeman’s growing role as a center for advanced manufacturing and photonics. Governor Gianforte said, “For over 40 years, Lattice Materials has manufactured germanium and silicon critical for the semiconductor industry right here in Montana. This expansion and latest investment showcase the Treasure State as a growing hub for advanced manufacturing on the national stage. Montana is proud to be home to companies like Lattice Materials that create good-paying jobs and reduce our dependance on foreign nations for critical minerals.”
A ceremony at the future facility brought together company leadership with government officials including Senator Tim Sheehy of Montana. Travis Wood, President of Lattice Materials said, “This groundbreaking is where strategy and investment turn into real capability. Bringing together leaders from government, industry and education reflects the shared importance of expanding secure, U.S.-based manufacturing while building the technical workforce needed to sustain it, further reinforcing Montana’s continued emergence as the nation’s photonics epicenter.”
Construction is scheduled to begin in May with completion anticipated in 2027. Once operational, the new facility will more than double Lattice’s current footprint and allow expanded manufacturing capabilities not previously available at this scale in North America.
Lattice Materials received $18.5 million from the U.S. Department of War in December 2025 to help fund construction of this new plant aimed at meeting demand from aerospace, defense and advanced imaging customers.
Scott Bekemeyer, founder and co-chairman of The Partner Companies (TPC), parent company of Lattice Materials said: “This project reflects how long-term investment, public-private alignment and execution come together to build durable manufacturing advantage. Lattice’s expansion strengthens the domestic industrial base while positioning Montana as a growing hub for advanced manufacturing.”
