Intel breaks ground on two factories in Arizona, ups investments to over $50B
Company says factories will create more than 6,000 jobs, impact about 15,000 local jobs
CHANDLER, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Semiconductor company Intel Corporation broke ground Friday on two new leading-edge chip factories at the company’s Ocotillo campus. Per Chief Exectuive Officer Pat Gelsinger, this construction is the largest private investment in state history.
“Today’s celebration marks an important milestone as we work to boost capacity and meet the incredible demand for semiconductors: the foundational technology for the digitization of everything. We are ushering in a new era of innovation – for Intel, for Arizona, and for the world," expressed Gelsinger. "This $20 billion expansion will bring our total investment in Arizona to more than $50 billion since opening the site over 40 years ago. As the only U.S.-based leading-edge chipmaker, we are committed to building on this long-term investment and helping the United States regain semiconductor leadership.”
According to Intel, the U.S. is at risk of falling further behind in semiconductor manufacturing. With its new IDM 2.0 strategy, the company is dedicated to balancing out global, supply-chain shipments.
Intel Communications and Media Relations Director Linda Qian says investing in these two new factories will create more than 3,000 high-tech, high-wage Intel jobs, 3,000 construction jobs, and support an estimated 15,000 additional indirect jobs in the Chandler community.
“Today’s groundbreaking ushers in a new landscape for Arizona semiconductor production,” said Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey. “For more than 40 years Intel has been at the center of Arizona’s innovation economy. Intel’s latest expansion promises to further that legacy for decades to come while creating thousands of jobs cementing Arizona’s position as a global leader for semiconductor manufacturing. We are grateful for Intel’s continued investment in Arizona and can’t wait to see these factories up and running.”