For more than 30 years, Lam Research has been a vital part of the Tualatin community. Since joining the Tualatin Chamber of Commerce in 2001—and becoming a Platinum Member in 2015—Lam has been more than a company headquartered in our backyard. It has been a neighbor, a partner, and a tireless supporter of our community.
In my three years as CEO of this Chamber, I’ve seen many businesses come and go, and many others engage in one-off acts of generosity. Lam Research stands out for the consistency, depth, and sincerity of its support. From sponsoring events to participating in committees and programs, Lam has been a reliable presence. Whether it’s a Chamber gathering, a youth initiative, or a citywide project, Lam frequently contributes time, talent, and resources.
Lam’s executives have served on our Chamber Board of Directors and contributed generously to our STEAM Education Foundation, which supports science and technology education for youth in both Tualatin and Tigard. They regularly send employee volunteers to community events. In fact, the list of Lam’s contributions, sponsorships, and donations to our town is so long, I literally have a running tally on my desk—and it keeps growing. Lam is, in every sense of the phrase, a company that takes action for the good of Tualatin.
That’s why I’m writing today in support of Lam’s proposed expansion in Tualatin.
For those unfamiliar with what Lam Research does: Lam is a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing equipment. They design and build the tools that make computer chips—technology that powers everything from smartphones and vehicles to medical devices and AI systems. In fact, nearly every advanced chip in the world is made using Lam equipment. It’s high-tech work with global reach, happening right here in our community.
Lam is already the largest employer in our city, with thousands of employees and contractors across its Tualatin and Sherwood locations. The company is also the second-largest technology employer in the entire state. Its continued growth is not just a business story—it’s a Tualatin story. The proposed expansion is in alignment with the master plan submitted to the city and LAM has obeyed all laws and guidance in the plan. This expansion will bring hundreds of new high-paying jobs to the region, both during construction and once the new facility is fully operational. These jobs come with industry-leading compensation and benefits and will create new opportunities for local suppliers and vendors.
In a time of economic uncertainty and tight public budgets, this investment is especially significant. The ripple effects of new employment and salaries will strengthen local businesses, boost city revenues, and help fund key programs. This isn’t speculative. We’ve seen it before—Lam’s growth has always meant more opportunity for Tualatin.
But Lam’s value to our community goes beyond jobs and economic activity. Lam invests in people, and their impact can be seen in initiatives like:
- A robotics program that inspires high school students to lead in STEM fields.
- A mentorship program with Tigard High School that supports hands-on career development.
- Over $1 million in college scholarships awarded to more than 100 students since 2003, including recipients from the Tigard-Tualatin and Hillsboro school districts.
- Longstanding sponsorship of Girls Inc.’s Eureka! program, which supports girls in underserved communities through STEM engagement from 8th to 12th grade.
- Their “Deliver Joy” initiative, which mobilizes employees to support organizations like the Oregon Food Bank and Tualatin Schoolhouse Pantry.
- A generous 2-to-1 employee donation match that multiplies charitable giving in our community.
These programs reflect a thoughtful and ongoing commitment to giving back—and they’ve made a real difference for local families, students, and nonprofit organizations.
Lam Research’s expansion is not just good for business. It’s good for Tualatin. It means opportunity for our families, investment in our future, and continued partnership with one of the most community-minded companies we have the privilege to call our neighbor.
On behalf of the Tualatin Area Chamber of Commerce, I am proud to voice our strong support for Lam Research’s expansion. They’ve earned our trust, our gratitude, and our full endorsement.
