Earlier this year, U.S. tech giant Intel announced its plan to spend more than $20 billion to construct two leading-edge chip fabrication facilities, also called fabs, in Licking County, Ohio, just outside of Columbus.
The 1,000-acre “mega-site” is expected to become “one of the largest semiconductor manufacturing sites in the world.” It will manufacture not only chips designed by Intel but also those designed by other companies through its new Intel Foundry Services business.
“Today’s investment marks another significant way Intel is leading the effort to restore US semiconductor manufacturing leadership,” said Pat Gelsinger, Intel’s CEO. “Intel’s actions will help build a more resilient supply chain and ensure reliable access to advanced semiconductors for years to come.”
“These factories will create a new epicenter for advanced chipmaking in the US that will bolster Intel’s domestic lab-to-fab pipeline and strengthen Ohio’s leadership in research and high tech,” Gelsinger added.
The Ohio-based chip factories can accommodate up to eight semiconductor production facilities and create 3,000 Intel jobs and 7,000 construction jobs, as well as attract hundreds of ecosystem partners and suppliers. The total investment in the mega-site is expected to reach a massive $100 billion over the next decade.
“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, the senior vice president of manufacturing, supply chain and operations at Intel.
The Ohio government is also delighted by Intel’s plan. According to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, the announcement was monumental news for the state.
“Intel’s new facilities will be transformative for our state, creating thousands of good-paying jobs in Ohio manufacturing strategically vital semiconductors, often called ‘chips,’ he said. “Advanced manufacturing, research and development, and talent are part of Ohio’s DNA, and we are proud that chips – which power the future – will be made in Ohio, by Ohioans.”
The construction of the two new fabs is set to begin later this year, with full production operations anticipated to start in 2025.
