Chipmaker Intel is building two new chip fabs in Ireland. With these new factories, the chip maker will double the number of square metres of production capacity in Europe. In a video, the company shows the progress of construction.
It was for a long time unclear whether the company would invest in new factories in the United States or in Europe, but the construction of the new chip factories in the Irish town of Leixlip is now in full swing.
The new factories will be next to existing Intel production facilities. That creates challenges. The builders should not cause too much vibration, as this can affect the existing chip production, says one manufacturer.
Another manufacturer shares that for the first time precast concrete slabs are being used for Intel’s chip factories. According to the manufacturers, this is one of the largest construction projects in Ireland’s history.
The investment of 7 billion in the coming years is substantial. The chip maker had previously invested a similar amount in the production capacity on the island, but that amount was spread over 30 years.
Chip makers can hardly meet the demand for new chips. There are already shortages of chips in some sectors. For example, the production of some car brands has come to a standstill.