On May 26, 2022, tech giant Intel announced the first hiring of construction teams for what will be its $20 billion leading-edge chip manufacturing complex project in New Albany, Ohio.
Gilbane Building Co. will handle the early excavation work for the 1,000-acre “mega-site” along with Ohio-based firms McDaniel’s Construction Corp., GTSA Construction Consulting, and Northstar Contracting Inc., who will provide consulting services and staff augmentation.
Intel first unveiled its plan to construct the two chip fabrication facilities in Licking County earlier this year. The semiconductor plants, also known as fabs, are expected to become “one of the largest semiconductor manufacturing sites in the world.”
“Ohio is an ideal location for Intel’s U.S. expansion because of its access to top talent, robust existing infrastructure and long history as a manufacturing powerhouse,” said Keyvan Esfarjani, Intel’s senior vice president of manufacturing, supply chain and operations.
Phase one of the Ohio chip plants project is slated to begin later this year, expecting to support 3,000 permanent jobs for the company and 7,000 construction jobs. Intel also targets 20% diverse business enterprise participation, 50% Ohio residency, and 10% minority, female, and veteran workforce. Gilbane and its local partner contractors are helping achieve those goals.
According to Gilbane President & CEO Thomas Laird, Jr., the “mega-site” project is transformative for central Ohio. It presents a significant opportunity for the local workforce and trade partners. He also said it would further strengthen Gilbane’s current partnership with New Albany.
McDaniels Construction Corporation also expressed their delight over what they call a monumental project. Chairman and CEO Dan Moncrief III said MCCI was gratified to be chosen as a partner and mentioned that working with the Intel team would bring more exposure to their company.
Chip production at the Ohio manufacturing plant is set to begin in 2025.
