CHANDLER, Ariz. — Manufacturing in Arizona is about to get a big boost. On Wednesday, the Biden administration announced that it will invest $8.5 billion into Intel facilities across the country.
Arizona is already home to four microchip manufacturing plants — Intel's largest domestic manufacturing footprint. The company is currently building two new cutting-edge production facilities at its 13,000-employee Ocotillo campus in Chandler.
The investment comes as part of the CHIPS and Science Act, and will award Intel $8.5 billion in direct funding with an additional $11 billion loaned to the company.
While it's unclear how much money will be allocated to the Chandler campus, officials expect the investment to create around 9,000 new jobs in Arizona. Intel plans to start high-volume domestic production of Intel 18A — the company’s most advanced chip design — here in Arizona.
"This is huge news that will cement Arizona as a global hub for microchips and create a lot of great-paying jobs that don’t require a four-year degree," Sen. Mark Kelly said as part of the announcement on Wednesday.
Arizona is first in the nation for new semiconductor jobs, investment, and supplier expansions, according to data compiled by the Semiconductor Industry Association.
"This investment is proof of how smart, responsible, bipartisan legislation delivers meaningful impact for Arizona as we lead our country to the future," Sen. Kyrsten Sinema said.
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