Production Shutdown in Hillsboro
Semiconductor supplier Edwards Vacuum announced Tuesday it will close its production operations in Hillsboro, a move that will eliminate 140 jobs over the next 18 months.
In a notice to state workforce officials, Edwards said layoffs will begin on November 15 and continue through June 2026. The company will maintain some functions in Hillsboro, including sales and customer service, but declined to specify how many employees will remain.
Spokesperson Paul Humphreys said the company’s decision reflects a global consolidation effort. “We will consolidate production across existing Edwards manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and the U.K.,” Humphreys said. “These changes will better position Edwards for the current business climate and for future growth.”
The Role of Edwards Vacuum
Edwards produces critical components for the semiconductor industry. Its products help establish vacuum conditions inside chipmaking tools and treat hazardous materials generated during production. The company did not specify what products are made at the Hillsboro site, leaving it unclear which operations will shift overseas or to other U.S. facilities.
For Hillsboro, the announcement is another blow to the region’s “Silicon Forest”, the cluster of technology companies anchored by Intel’s massive research and manufacturing campuses.
Layoffs Amid a Semiconductor Downturn
Oregon’s semiconductor sector is enduring a severe cyclical downturn. Intel, the state’s largest private employer, has struggled for years to regain technological leadership from overseas rivals. Its difficulties have led to steep local job cuts: 1,300 Oregon workers were laid off in 2024, followed by another 2,400 layoffs in July 2025.
The broader industry has seen production slowdowns as global demand for chips fluctuates. With companies reducing investment, suppliers like Edwards Vacuum are also feeling the strain.
Statewide Job Cuts Near Recession Levels
The Edwards layoffs are part of a broader wave of job losses across Oregon. Since early 2024, employers have reported more than 11,000 layoffs statewide, putting the pace of job cuts on par with the Great Recession.
The state’s unemployment rate has climbed steadily over the past year, reaching 5.0%. While that figure remains modest compared with past downturns, it represents the highest level since the pandemic, underscoring the strain across multiple sectors.
Impact on Hillsboro and Oregon’s Economy
Hillsboro has long been the hub of Oregon’s high-tech industry. Intel, Genentech, and dozens of suppliers form the backbone of the city’s economy. But the recent waves of layoffs have created uncertainty for workers and raised concerns about Oregon’s ability to hold its position in the global technology market.
While state and federal leaders have touted billions in semiconductor investment through the CHIPS and Science Act, those funds are largely aimed at long-term research and capacity building rather than immediate job security. In the short term, communities dependent on tech manufacturing face instability.
What’s Next for Edwards and Workers
Edwards says it is committed to supporting employees through the transition but has not released details about severance, retraining, or relocation opportunities. The company’s timeline for winding down production — stretching into mid-2026 — suggests the cuts will roll out gradually, giving some workers time to prepare.
For those who remain, Edwards emphasized that its sales and customer service operations in Hillsboro will continue, though the scale of those departments remains uncertain.
A Sign of Industry Volatility
The announcement highlights the volatility of the semiconductor industry, where global competition, shifting consumer demand, and rapid technological change create frequent cycles of growth and contraction.
For Oregon, which has relied heavily on the sector for high-paying jobs and tax revenue, the challenge will be weathering this downturn while positioning the state to benefit from future upswings in demand.
As Humphreys put it, the consolidation is about aligning with “the current business climate.” For hundreds of Oregon workers, though, the immediate reality is a much harsher one: the search for new opportunities in an industry that is shrinking at home.
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