Efforts to expand Oregon’s semiconductor industry are on the horizon.

Intel announced on Monday, Oct. 23, that it plans to advance its semiconductor technology development facilities at the Gordon Moore Park at Ronler Acres in Hillsboro.

The initiative comes in light of anticipated support from the federal CHIPS and Science Act, which includes over $52 billion dollars to help revitalize the U.S. semiconductor industry.

"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 (research and development) and manufacturing, backed by Oregon and the U.S. CHIPS Act," Intel said in the release. "This investment further solidifies our commitment to the Silicon Forest and rebalancing the global semiconductor supply chain.”

The campus is Intel’s “innovation hub” for semiconductor research, technology development and manufacturing in the United States.

According to the company, the plans include an ongoing advancement of the company’s existing technology development facilities at the Gordon Moore Park campus, with efforts to put the campus at “the forefront of innovation” in process tools and designs.

Intel also plans to bring a state-of-the-art lithography machine online that would make chips more powerful and more efficient.

Investments in Oregon’s operations play a larger part in the company’s technology leadership goals, with Intel planning to invest more than $100 billion in the U.S. over a five-year period, CEO Pat Gelsinger said at September’s Intel Innovation event.

In addition to the anticipated CHIPS funding, Intel said support from the state, the city of Hillsboro and Washington County has made this commitment possible.

“(The city of Hillsboro and Washington County) are incredible partners in providing the planning, infrastructure and workforce development needed to support our site operations and the semiconductor ecosystem,” said Intel Local Media Manager Eleonora Akopyan.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek attended an event Monday in Hillsboro in celebration of Intel’s major commitment and the company’s vision to drive technology development in the state.

"Intel's significant investments in Oregon reflect a shared vision of success and innovation,” Kotek said. “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."

The company also highlighted how the expansion would support “several thousand” new jobs and help ensure that Oregon and the Pacific Northwest remain a hub for technology development.

Intel plays a significant role in Oregon’s economy, with the company accounting for 4% of statewide employment. Intel’s site in Oregon is the company’s largest, with more than 22,000 employees.

By: DocMemory
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