Intel has announced plans to invest between $6 billion and $8 billion on its next-generation 22nm manufacturing process across several existing US factories in Arizona (Fab 12 and Fab 32) and Oregon (D1C and D1D), along with construction of a new development fabrication plant in Oregon (D1X, to open in 2013). The projects will support 6,000 to 8,000 construction jobs and result in 800 to 1,000 new permanent tech jobs.
“Today’s announcement reflects the next tranche of the continued advancement of Moore’s Law and a further commitment to invest in the future of Intel and America,” Intel president and chief executive officer Paul Otellini said in a statement. “The most immediate impact of our multi-billion-dollar investment will be the thousands of jobs associated with building a new fab and upgrading four others, and the high-wage, high-tech manufacturing jobs that follow.” While Intel generates approximately three quarters of its revenues overseas, it maintains three quarters of its microprocessor manufacturing in the US.
Intel’s first 22nm microprocessors, codenamed Ivy Bridge, will hit production in late 2011. The company hopes they will further boost performance levels and power efficiency, enable sleeker device designs, and result in longer battery life, all at a lower cost.