Intel’s Expansion in Arizona Bolstered by CHIPS Act Funding
CHANDLER, AZ (March 20, 2024) — In a significant move for the U.S. semiconductor industry, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a preliminary agreement to provide Intel with up to $8.5 billion in funding through the CHIPS and Science Act. This initiative aims to enhance the nation’s semiconductor manufacturing and R&D capabilities.
Intel’s ambitious $34.5 billion investment in Arizona is set to receive a significant boost, aiming to create 3,000 additional jobs. The funding will focus on advancing Intel’s semiconductor projects across key locations in Arizona, New Mexico, Ohio, and Oregon, facilitating the production of advanced chips and packaging technologies.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs remarked, Arizona has become a national leader in the semiconductor industry, in no small part due to Intel’s presence for over four decades. With this critical CHIPS Act investment, I am excited that Intel is expanding its operation in Chandler, continuing to fuel our state’s success.
Intel’s investment in Chandler began in 2021 with the groundbreaking of two new fabs at its Ocotillo campus, a $20 billion project expected to generate over 3,000 high-tech jobs. With these additions, the campus will house six fabs.
Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger emphasized the importance of this development, stating, Today is a defining moment for the U.S. and Intel as we work to power the next great chapter of American semiconductor innovation.
The CHIPS Act funding, combined with Intel’s plan to invest over $100 billion in the U.S. over five years, marks a monumental public-private investment in the semiconductor sector, poised to create thousands of jobs, strengthen supply chains, and uphold American leadership in semiconductor technology.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo highlighted, There is no one who cares more about revitalizing American manufacturing than President Biden, and today’s announcement is a massive step towards ensuring America’s leadership in manufacturing for the 21st century.
Senator Mark Kelly noted the significance of the development for Arizona, saying, This is huge news that will cement Arizona as a global hub for microchips and create a lot of great-paying jobs that don’t require a four-year degree.
Senator Kyrsten Sinema added, I was proud to lead our bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act into law – directly fueling Intel’s historic investment in Arizona and building lasting careers for Arizona families.
Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke praised the expansion, stating, Today’s announcement builds upon Intel’s capabilities, expanding innovation, opportunity and high-quality jobs in our community.
Intel’s strategic focus includes establishing process technology leadership, building a sustainable global semiconductor supply chain, and developing a world-class foundry business. These goals align with the CHIPS Act’s objectives to bolster U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and technological leadership.
The CHIPS Act funding will support Intel’s initiatives across several regions, each dubbed with unique monikers like the Silicon Desert, Silicon Mesa, Silicon Heartland, and Silicon Forest, reflecting their importance in the semiconductor landscape.
Intel’s foresight in fostering semiconductor talent is evident in its $100 million investment to enhance education, research, and workforce training across the U.S. This endeavor includes partnerships with academic institutions to develop a skilled workforce crucial for the industry’s success.
One such initiative, the Semiconductor Technician Quick Start Program, launched by Maricopa Community Colleges and Intel, has trained over 600 individuals, preparing them for careers in the semiconductor field.
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