Location wanted in Europe
Intel is building new US plants for $20 billion
01/21/2022, 3:49 p.m
The global economy is groaning under the chip shortage. And the need will increase in the future. The US group Intel is now pounding new plants out of the ground and is also planning a new factory in Europe. However, this does not ensure a quick remedy in the event of a demand.
In the midst of the chip crisis, Intel wants to expand its production capacities by building two new factories in the US state of Ohio. The largest US chip company announced that more than 20 billion dollars would be invested. Intel is also planning new plants in Europe, but is still reticent about possible locations.
A company spokeswoman said there would be an announcement soon. Germany counts on great chances of getting a bid. Dresden, Penzing in Bavaria and Magdeburg are mentioned again and again as potential locations.
Similar to Europe, the US wants to reduce its dependency on semiconductors from Asian suppliers such as TSMC and Samsung. Intel boss Pat Gelsinger wants to expand production capacities and also step into contract manufacturing. However, the latest announcements about the construction of new plants will not change the current shortage of chips, which is forcing car manufacturers and electronics groups in particular to scale back their production.
The US government and the EU Commission are luring the corporations with subsidies, which, however, still have to be tightened on both sides of the Atlantic. The EU Commission intends to present its draft law to promote the chip industry in Europe at the beginning of February. At the moment, more than two thirds of all modern semiconductors are manufactured in Asia.
According to Intel, 3,000 permanent jobs are to be created at the plant near Columbus in Ohio, which is scheduled to open in 2025. 7000 people will be employed during the construction. Partners and suppliers such as Air Products, Applied Materials and LAM Research are said to have already expressed an interest in opening a presence in the region.