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Chipmaker Intel has said it will create 1,600 permanent high-tech jobs at its Leixlip campus, once it has completed construction of a new chip factory there.
The company also revealed tonight that it has invested an additional $ 7 billion in its manufacturing facility on the Co Kildare campus over the past three years, with more to be spent on the new infrastructure.
The details emerged when new CEO Pat Gelsinger revealed new plans for the company, which has struggled with a number of challenges in recent years.
Eamonn Sinnott, Intel Ireland vice president of manufacturing and operations and CEO, said the company is accelerating investment in Europe and supporting the EU’s ambition to have 20% of the world’s silicon chips manufactured locally.
“Since 1989, we have invested $ 15 billion in current manufacturing capacity in Europe, ensuring that Intel is one of the largest and most advanced semiconductor manufacturing operations in the region,” he said.
“But we won’t stop there. In an effort to more than double Intel’s available manufacturing space in Ireland and Europe, we have invested an additional $ 7 billion from 2019 to 2021 in an ongoing expansion.”
Sinnott said the investment is designed to bring Intel’s next-generation 7-nanometer process technology to the region and expand its manufacturing operations.
“It will also boost economic growth in the region, creating 1,600 permanent high-tech jobs upon completion and more than 5,000 jobs in construction,” he said.
The construction of the new manufacturing plant or FAB is approximately in the middle of the estimated term of four to five years.
Sinnott also noted that there will be an additional opportunity for further investment in the region, stemming from the announcement that the company plans to establish a separate foundry business to make chips designed by others.
Intel has traditionally designed and manufactured its own chips.
Intel, which has been in Ireland since 1989, currently employs just under 5,000 people in Ireland, with 4,500 working in Leixlip and the remainder with offices in Cork and Shannon.
Taoiseach, Tánaiste and IDA Ireland welcomed the news of the new investment.
“Intel’s level of commitment to Ireland and its impact on the Irish economy has been and will continue to be enormous,” said IDA Executive Director Martin Shanahan.
“The scale of the investment and the number and types of jobs being created is a huge vote of confidence on the Leixlip campus and is testament to Intel’s continued commitment to Ireland.”
“Additionally, the company has signaled that there will be an opportunity for additional investment as it plans to announce another phase of location expansions, including Europe, next year.”
The Taoiseach said that Intel had made a huge contribution to Ireland.
“Intel’s trip to Ireland has been extraordinary and these plans for the next phase of its development will enhance its reputation as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing and innovation,” said Micheál Martin.
“Already a major employer in Ireland, with around 5,000 employees, these new jobs will be very welcome.”
Tánaiste and the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar, described the expansion as massive.
“It is another great vote of confidence in the future of Ireland,” he said.
“The company has demonstrated not only longevity and resilience in its 32 years in Ireland, but also an ambition to continually innovate and develop. That growth has been of enormous benefit to the entire country.”
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