Bozeman tech manufacturing company sees expansion with new facility planned

BOZEMAN, Mont. — Lattice Materials, a germanium and silicon manufacturer in Bozeman, held a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday for a new facility that will increase production and create more technology jobs in the Gallatin Valley.  

The new facility will be 80,000 square feet and has been made possible by an $18.5 million grant from the Department of War. 

“We’ve built deep expertise and highly specialized processes growing custom silicon and germanium crystals to meet some of the most demanding specifications in the world,” Lattice Materials President Travis Wood said at the ceremony. 

The company makes custom silicon and germanium crystals used for military vehicles, weapons and satellites as well as medical and research work. Gov. Greg Gianforte described the company as a key part of national security support. 

“This latest investment is proof that Montana is truly emerging as a national leader in a growing hub for photonics and advanced manufacturing,” he said. 

U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy also spoke at the groundbreaking and said his former company, Bridger Aerospace, has bought products from Lattice Materials.  

“We'd buy silicon and germanium windows for infrared targeting optics. And as a former warfighter with several deployments, I can attest to how critical it is to have the systems that you make and you make possible overseas supporting us,” Sheehy said. 

Wood said the company also sees room to recruit through Montana State University's expanding technology programs. He said Lattice had discussed internships and apprenticeships as part of that effort. 

“We've talked about internships and apprenticeships. We already have a pretty robust pipeline for engineers, especially for our custom crystal growth. And we want to build on that,” Wood said. 

Construction is set to begin in May and finish next year.