Intel’s Oregon Investments Fuel US Silicon Innovation Leadership

Intel, one of the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturers, is setting the stage for a revolution in the United States’ semiconductor industry with its significant investments in the state of Oregon. These investments are pivotal to Intel’s technology leadership goals and are part of the company’s broader strategy to invest more than $100 billion in the U.S. over a five-year period. As Intel’s commitment to Oregon deepens, the region is poised to become a global semiconductor R&D and manufacturing hub, reaffirming its status as the “Silicon Forest.” This article explores Intel’s plans, their significance, and their potential impact on the Oregon economy and the semiconductor industry in the United States.

Gordon Moore Park (Credit: Intel Corporation)

Intel’s Commitment to Oregon

Intel’s journey in Oregon spans nearly five decades, during which the company has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation and technology development. Dr. Ann Kelleher, Intel’s Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Technology Development Group, expressed Intel’s dedication to Oregon and its broader mission, saying, “Intel has been dedicated to driving innovation and advancing technology in Oregon for almost five decades, and we are set to lead the charge in restoring America’s leadership in semiconductor R&D and manufacturing, backed by Oregon and the U.S. CHIPS Act. This investment further solidifies our commitment to the Silicon Forest and rebalancing the global semiconductor supply chain.”

This commitment comes at a crucial time when the world is experiencing a semiconductor shortage, highlighting the need for domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. Intel’s investment aims to strengthen its position as a global leader in semiconductor technology development and manufacturing while ensuring a robust supply chain for the U.S. semiconductor industry.

The Importance of Intel’s Oregon Investments

Intel’s investments in its Oregon R&D and manufacturing operations are not just significant for the company itself but also for the broader technology landscape in the United States. These investments are aligned with Intel’s plans to invest more than $100 billion in the U.S. over the next five years, as outlined by CEO Pat Gelsinger during the Intel Innovation event in September.

The key components of Intel’s Oregon investment plans include:

1. Advancement of Technology Development Facilities

Intel is committed to the ongoing advancement of its technology development facilities at the Gordon Moore Park campus in Hillsboro, Oregon. This substantial upgrade will introduce the latest in process technology and tools, positioning the campus at the forefront of innovation in semiconductor research and development.

2. High-NA EUV Lithography Tool

Intel plans to introduce the world’s first high-numerical aperture extreme ultraviolet (High-NA EUV) lithography tool at its Oregon facility. This cutting-edge technology is crucial for advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes, enabling the production of smaller and more efficient semiconductor components.

3. Potential Future Expansion

Intel is also in the process of initiating the application for permits that would enable a potential multibillion-dollar expansion of its R&D and manufacturing capacity in Oregon. This expansion, contingent on support from the U.S. CHIPS Act, holds the promise of creating thousands of new permanent and construction jobs, further boosting the region’s economic growth.

Collaboration and Support

Intel’s ambitious plans in Oregon have been made possible through collaboration and support from various stakeholders, including the state of Oregon, the city of Hillsboro, and Washington County. Additionally, incentives from the U.S. CHIPS Act are expected to play a significant role in accelerating advancements at the site and ensuring that the United States maintains its position as a leader in semiconductor technology for years to come.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has been a vocal supporter of Intel’s efforts, emphasizing the positive impact that these expansions and partnerships will have on the state’s technology landscape and workforce. She stated, “Intel’s significant investments in Oregon reflect a shared vision of success and innovation. As the governor of this great state, I am excited about the positive impact that Intel’s expansions and partnerships will have on Oregon’s technology landscape and the future of our workforce. This collaboration highlights our state’s commitment to fostering economic prosperity and diversity through education and innovation.”

Intel’s Role in U.S. Semiconductor Leadership

Intel holds a unique position as the only leading-edge semiconductor manufacturer that headquarters its R&D and technology development in the United States. Oregon plays a pivotal role in Intel’s broader strategy to regain process technology leadership by 2025, which aligns with the company’s IDM 2.0 (Integrated Device Manufacturing 2.0) strategy. The support from the state of Oregon, the city of Hillsboro, and Washington County has been instrumental in making these goals achievable.

Intel’s commitment to delivering five nodes within four years and regaining process technology leadership by 2025 is evident in its progress. The company recently achieved a significant milestone with the commencement of high-volume manufacturing of Intel 4 technology in Ireland, showcasing its dedication to technological advancement.

Intel’s Commitment to Sustainability

In addition to its focus on innovation and technology development, Intel is actively working on sustainability initiatives in Oregon. The company’s facilities in Hillsboro are home to Intel’s Technology Development Group, which looks ten or more years into the future to envision new process technologies. Simultaneously, Intel’s teams are dedicated to minimizing the company’s environmental footprint by identifying greener chemistries and treatment strategies. These efforts are aligned with Intel’s commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its global operations by 2040.

Fostering Talent and Innovation

Intel’s impact in Oregon extends beyond its technological advancements and economic contributions. The company is committed to increasing access to opportunity, empowering the next generation of innovators, and expanding the industry’s talent pool. Through investments in programs across the state, in collaboration with universities, community colleges, and local school districts, Intel is actively promoting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education and accessible workforce pathways.

Intel’s Economic Impact in Oregon

Intel’s presence in Oregon has a profound economic impact on the region. Hillsboro in Washington County serves as the epicenter of Intel’s research and technology development, accounting for 4% of statewide employment. This has helped position the city and county as the hub of Oregon’s growing technology industry, fostering a vast network of local suppliers and contractors to support Intel’s operations.

Intel’s site in Oregon is the company’s largest, employing more than 22,000 people. Beyond direct employment, Intel’s operations support a network of local businesses. In 2022 alone, Intel spent more than $4 billion with over 500 suppliers across Oregon. The company’s total economic footprint in the state includes more than 105,000 indirect jobs, $10 billion in annual labor income, and $19.3 billion in annual GDP.

In conclusion, Intel’s significant investments in Oregon are poised to make a profound impact on the state’s technology landscape, the broader semiconductor industry in the United States, and the nation’s economic growth. By bolstering its R&D and manufacturing capabilities in Oregon, Intel is not only reaffirming its commitment to innovation but also playing a vital role in ensuring the United States remains at the forefront of semiconductor technology development. As Intel continues to advance its technology and sustainability initiatives while fostering talent and innovation, Oregon’s “Silicon Forest” is well on its way to becoming a global leader in semiconductor research and manufacturing.

Category: Intel

This entry was posted on Monday, October 23rd, 2023 at 12:47 pm. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.