Intel, the renowned semiconductor company, has announced its selection of a location near Wrocław, Poland, to establish a state-of-the-art facility for semiconductor assembly and testing.
This strategic move aims to address the projected surge in demand for assembly and testing capabilities that Intel expects to encounter by 2027. With an estimated investment of up to $4.6 billion, the facility will be designed to accommodate future expansion. Upon completion, it will provide employment opportunities for approximately 2,000 Intel staff members, while also generating numerous jobs through supplier hiring and the construction process. The commencement of construction is contingent upon approval from the European Commission, but design and planning activities will begin immediately.
By combining Intel's planned investment in Poland with its existing wafer fabrication facility in Leixlip, Ireland, and its upcoming wafer fabrication facility in Magdeburg, Germany, the company aims to establish a pioneering end-to-end semiconductor manufacturing value chain across Europe. This comprehensive approach will contribute to the growth of the semiconductor industry, promote ecosystem investments, and foster innovation not only in Poland but throughout the European Union.
"Poland is already home to Intel operations and is well positioned to work with Intel sites in Germany and Ireland. It is also very cost-competitive with other manufacturing locations globally and offers a great talent base that we are excited to help to grow," said Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger. "We're grateful for the support from Poland as we work to grow the local semiconductor ecosystem and contribute to the EU's goal of creating a more resilient and sustainable semiconductor supply chain."
Mateusz Morawiecki, prime minister of Poland, said, "We are pleased that the largest greenfield investment in the history of Poland is being led by Intel, a Silicon Valley legend known for its innovation. Chips and semiconductors are critical technologies in the 21st century and we are excited to expand Poland's role in the global semiconductor supply chain and help to establish the country as an economic trendsetter."
Next Building Block of a Pan-European Semiconductor Ecosystem
Poland was chosen as the location for the new site for several reasons, including its infrastructure, strong talent base and excellent business environment. The new site is also well positioned to work with Intel's leading-edge wafer fabrication site planned for Germany and its existing leading-edge wafer fabrication site in Ireland. This proximity will enable close collaboration between the three manufacturing sites and help increase resilience and cost efficiency of the European semiconductor supply chain.
Wafer fabrication facilities (also known as "fabs") create chips on silicon wafers through various advanced chemical, mechanical and optical processes. Assembly and test facilities, such as the one planned near Wrocław, receive completed wafers from fabs, cut them into individual chips, assemble them into final products and test them for performance and quality. The finished chips are then shipped to customers. In addition to completed wafers, the facility will also be able to accept individual chips and assemble them into final products. The facility will be able to accept wafers and chips from Intel, Intel Foundry Services or other foundries.
The well-paid permanent jobs that the facility creates will range from engineers and business support functions to factory operators and equipment technicians. Poland offers a strong technical talent base and several excellent universities with strong engineering programs. This strong workforce and talent base has been critical to Intel's 30 years of operation in Poland, including its significant research and development operations in Gdańsk, the company's largest R&D facility in Europe with nearly 4,000 workers.
A Resilient and Sustainable Semiconductor Supply Chain for Europe
Recent global disruptions show the critical need to build a more resilient supply chain for semiconductors. Intel supports the European Union's goal to reclaim 20 percent of global semiconductor manufacturing capacity by 2030 and is investing in a global semiconductor supply chain that is resilient and geographically balanced. Intel's investments in Poland and in Europe can act as a catalyst for further investments by ecosystem companies and for building and attracting the talent needed to support a thriving European semiconductor industry.
Intel is committed to sustainability and will adhere to high environmental standards across its global operations and its European operations, including at the planned facility near Wrocław. This facility will be constructed according to green building principles, minimizing its carbon footprint and the impact on the environment.
