Arizona wins 6th consecutive Gold Shovel Award, recognizing innovative technologies leading market growth 

Published: 06/19/2026
Updated: 06/20/2026

Amkor, Axon recognized among Area Development’s Projects of the Year awardees 

PHOENIX (June 19, 2026) – Arizona was awarded yesterday the Gold Shovel award in the 5-8 million population category by Area Development Magazine, the sixth year in a row that the state has earned this recognition. 

In addition, Amkor’s expansion to Peoria and Axon’s investment in Scottsdale received recognition from the outlet. Area Development named Amkor a Manufacturing Project of the Year and Axon a Non-Manufacturing Project of the Year. 

“Area Development Magazine showcases a glowing outlook of Arizona’s ecosystem, one built on innovation and advanced technology spanning from manufacturing to renewables,” said Christine Mackay, President and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC). “Thirteen consecutive years of recognition by Area Development is further evidence of the resilient, sustainable nature of our market, and we congratulate Amkor, Axon and partners around Greater Phoenix and Arizona for this recognition.”

Amkor broke ground in October on its new advanced packaging and test facility in Peoria. Backed by a $7 billion investment from the company, this facility will be first of its kind in the United States, expanding domestic packaging capabilities and bolstering Greater Phoenix’s semiconductor supply chain. Amkor’s global corporate headquarters is in Tempe. 

“We are honored to be recognized by Area Development as a Manufacturing Project of the Year. This would not have been possible without the support from the City of Peoria,” said David McCann, Senior Vice President Business Unit and ATA Project Executive, Amkor Technology, Inc. “The Amkor Technology Arizona project represents a critical step forward in bolstering semiconductor supply chain capabilities within the United States, while also supporting continued job creation in Arizona and the Greater Phoenix area. This marks a historic milestone for Amkor and Arizona, and we are excited to see it come to life.”

The project “cements Arizona’s status as one of the most important nodes in the domestic semiconductor supply chain,” Area Development wrote.

Axon, founded in Arizona in 1993, is expanding its local presence by developing a new $1.3 billion global HQ in Scottsdale that will support up to 5,500 high-wage jobs and contribute $11.5 million in annual city tax revenues. It is projected to generate $40 billion in economic impact over the next decade. 

“Axon’s $307 million headquarters operation in Scottsdale brings an extraordinary 5,500 jobs — the largest single employment commitment in Arizona’s 2026 project roster — and signals that the state’s talent base extends well beyond the fab floor,” Area Development wrote in its article.

In addition to Amkor and Axon, 2025 project highlights include: 

  • Apex Power Conversion: Solar and storage company Apex Power Conversion announced a $60 million investment into a new U.S. headquarters in Mesa that will employ hundreds of people.  
  • Applied Materials: Applied Materials’ new Chandler facility, a $200 million investment, will build upon its presence in the region through semiconductor manufacturing, research and development, and service. 
  • Cyclic Materials: Advanced rare earth elements recycling company Cyclic Materials expanded to Mesa to open its first commercial facility in the U.S.  
  • Eternity Technologies: Eternity Technologies established a North American headquarters and battery manufacturing facility in Phoenix. 
  • GTI Energy: The new facility in Goodyear will serve as GTI Energy’s primary high-volume manufacturing site for electrical integration, battery installation and more. 
  • Hadrian: Hadrian’s $200 million investment into Mesa establishes a manufacturing and software hub to build AI-powered factories. 
  • Komatsu: Japanese-based equipment manufacturer Komatsu broke ground on its 215,000 square-foot facility, tripling its current operational footprint in Mesa. 
  • Moses Lake Industries: The $100 million investment from Moses Lake Industries will serve as the basis for its manufacturing and research for semiconductor material development. 

“From chips to carbon, Arizona’s 2026 slate proves it is building for the long term,” Area Development wrote.

The Shovel Awards recognize states that “garnered large job-creating and investment projects through innovative policies, infrastructure improvements and other processes that attracted new employers as well as investments in expanded facilities.” Area Development ranks states with weighted scores based on the number of high-valued added jobs per capita, amount of investment, number of new facilities and industry diversity. 

Since Arizona first received recognition in 2012, the state has been awarded eight gold and six silver shovels. The 2026 award is the 13th year in a row that the state has won a gold or silver shovel. 

In total, 20 manufacturing projects and 15 non-manufacturing were awarded by the outlet this year. 

A report on the 2026 Shovel Award winners is published in the Q2/2026 issue of Area Development and posted online at areadevelopment.com/shovels.