Is Intel’s chip factory project stalling due to lack of construction workers?

Is Intel’s chip factory project stalling due to lack of construction workers?

Washington, Aug. 23, 2022

Intel says 7,000 construction workers are needed to build its $20 billion chip plant outside Columbus, Ohio, according to a news release. However, the AP news agency notes that labor shortages could affect attempts to recruit enough construction workers for the project.

The entire construction industry needs to hire 650,000 additional workers this year to meet labor needs, Associated Builders and Contractors pointed out. However, Intel may not need the 7,000 workers all at once.

Intel’s plans call for 1. the first two chip fabs to come on line in 2025. 2. within 10 years, eight fabs are to be built at this „mega-site“ with an investment volume of $100 billion.

The facility will employ an estimated 3,000 people with an average salary of $135,000. Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger expects the project to become „the largest silicon manufacturing site on the planet.“

President Joe Biden is expected to attend a groundbreaking ceremony for the New Albany plant in the coming weeks. The project is funded by the recently passed CHIPS and Science Act, which provides $52.7 billion in subsidies for U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and research to compete with China. Biden signed the legislation earlier this month and is expected to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the New Albany facility.