In late 2023, Tynergy, LLC, a Wyoming-based subsidiary of Indonesia’s Mirah Green, announced plans to relocate to Fresno and build two facilities. The company received a $15 million California Competes award and pledged to create more than 500 jobs with starting salaries around $70,000.
The proposed project included a semiconductor plant producing wafers from imported silica and a flywheel-based energy storage facility. Tynergy also promised employee benefits such as apprenticeships and childcare, and committed to working with local unions and education providers on workforce training.
Despite initial enthusiasm, there has been little public progress since the announcement. Will Oliver, president and CEO of the Fresno County Economic Development Corp., stated, “Tynergy has not yet made a final decision on a Fresno location, but the project continues to align with our broader semiconductor and CHIPS Act strategy.” He added that workforce initiatives like the new Central Valley FAME chapter are being developed to prepare local talent for advanced manufacturing opportunities.
Tynergy’s CEO, Yan Purba, has not provided any comments regarding the project’s status.
Fresno officials are moving forward with other efforts related to advanced manufacturing. Chris Zeitz, vice president of workforce development at Fresno EDC, described several training programs designed in partnership with employers:
– Manufacturing Generalist: an entry-level program with an advanced “2.0” version focused on machining.
– FAME (Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education): a 2.5-year apprenticeship combining Reedley College studies with paid work at local manufacturers.
– Intensive Welding: a four-month program through State Center Community College District’s Training Institute offering American Welding Society certifications.
“These pathways are co-designed with employers and apprenticeship providers, ensuring that training leads directly to high-quality careers,” Zeitz said. He noted that this approach is consistent with federal Good Jobs Challenge principles emphasizing employer-led training and clear advancement opportunities.
Cliff Long, Fresno’s new director of economic development, highlighted the importance of technology and manufacturing for the region’s future. “Supporting technology and advanced manufacturing operations is a key strategy for Fresno’s future prosperity,” Long said. “These companies create good-paying jobs, not just for engineers and technicians, but for workers from many trades. Attracting technology companies helps diversify our economy and brings new opportunities for our existing businesses and residents of the area.”
Long clarified he was not involved in Tynergy’s original announcement but has since discussed it with Oliver. The city remains focused on attracting industries aligned with improving quality of life in Fresno.
A significant challenge facing any potential semiconductor plant is water usage. Semiconductor fabrication requires large amounts of water—a concern in California’s Central Valley where droughts and competing agricultural demands strain supplies. Local officials emphasize that new industrial developments must prioritize water efficiency.
Tynergy has promoted its sustainable energy credentials by citing its flywheel technology as supportive of California’s clean energy goals; however, details about how it would address regional water sustainability remain limited.
As Fresno seeks opportunities under the federal CHIPS Act to boost domestic semiconductor production, Tynergy’s project is seen as a test case for whether high-tech manufacturing can take root in the Central Valley or if challenges will push investment elsewhere.
