Intel’s Arizona Expansion Reaches Significant Construction Milestone

Intel, the leading-edge chipmaker, has reached a significant milestone in its manufacturing expansion in Arizona. The company announced that the initial portion of the cleanroom at its Ocotillo campus in Chandler is now “weather tight” and the “blow down” phase has begun at its two new chip factories. This development highlights Intel’s commitment to advancing its presence in Arizona and driving technological innovation.

Dan Doron, Intel’s vice president and general manager of Fab Construction Enterprise, emphasized the company’s dedication to Arizona and its role in addressing the growing demand for semiconductors. He stated, “Our commitment to Arizona runs deep, and as we expand our operations, we remain dedicated to addressing the growing demand for semiconductors and helping the United States regain its leadership position in this vital industry.”

Intel’s presence in Arizona spans over four decades, during which it has become an integral part of the state’s technology landscape. Currently, more than 13,000 Arizona residents work at Intel, contributing to the development and manufacturing of cutting-edge technology solutions that tackle global challenges.

The company’s long-term investment in Arizona has had a significant impact on the state’s economy. Intel’s operations support an estimated 58,600 jobs, and its annual economic impact amounts to $8.6 billion.

In 2021, Intel reaffirmed its commitment to Arizona by announcing an additional $20 billion investment. This expansion initiative includes the construction of two advanced semiconductor fabs in Ocotillo, bringing Intel’s total investment in the state to over $50 billion. These new fabs will produce Intel’s most advanced process technologies, featuring innovations such as RibbonFET and PowerVia.

The ongoing expansion is expected to create more than 3,000 high-tech, high-wage Intel jobs and 3,000 construction jobs. It will also support approximately 15,000 indirect jobs within the local community.

The construction site at Ocotillo is a hive of activity, with a daily workforce of 6,000 skilled tradespeople. These workers have collectively contributed over 10 million job hours to date. The construction efforts have involved pouring 342,000 cubic yards of concrete, equivalent to filling 103 Olympic-size swimming pools, and constructing nearly a mile and a half of steel trestles. Intel has reported good progress in the site’s mechanical, electrical, and process equipment work.

Intel is committed to sustainability and minimizing its environmental impact as it expands its operations to meet the global demand for semiconductors. The company aims to recycle at least 90% of its construction waste, and in 2023 alone, it has diverted over 25,000 tons of construction debris from Arizona’s waste streams.

Water stewardship is also a priority for Intel. The Ocotillo campus recently received Platinum level certification from the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) in recognition of its commitment to water conservation and restoration. In 2022, Intel conserved more than 3.3 billion gallons of water in its Ocotillo operations. The company has also funded 21 nonprofit-led water restoration projects that will restore almost 2.2 billion gallons of water annually when fully implemented. Intel’s efforts have enabled the Arizona site to return and restore more than 100% of its freshwater use to local watersheds, achieving net positive water in 2021 and 2022.

Furthermore, Intel is harnessing solar power to support its commitment to renewable electricity in Arizona. The company has invested in on-site alternative electricity with solar electric photovoltaic-covered parking lots at both the Ocotillo and Chandler campuses. Additionally, Intel purchases green power from utility suppliers and green attributes from multiple sources to meet 100% of its Arizona electricity use.

These sustainability efforts align with Intel’s corporate goals, which include achieving 100% renewable electricity use, net positive water use, and zero waste to landfills by 2030. The company also aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its global operations by 2040 and net-zero upstream greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Background Information

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About Intel: Intel Corporation, a global technology leader, is renowned for its semiconductor innovations that power computing and communication devices worldwide. As a pioneer in microprocessor technology, Intel has left an indelible mark on the evolution of computing with its processors that drive everything from PCs to data centers and beyond. With a history of groundbreaking advancements, Intel's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the digital landscape, offering solutions that empower businesses and individuals to achieve new levels of productivity and connectivity.

  

Technology Explained

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