Intel restarts key 1,000-job FAB 24 project
LEIXLIP, 25 April 2002: by Bill Trapman. Intel has announced the restart of its FAB 24 project at Leixlip, which will employ 1,000 people in high-tech jobs, and involve 1,500 in construction work. (Pictured above is the original announcement in June 2000 by Intel Corporation boss Craig Barrett.)
The $2bn plant, which was deferred last year during the downward trend in the computer and technological area, is now expected to open in 2004.
The fabrication facility will use very microscopic 90-nanometre techniques to produce 200mm computer chips with very high information capacity.
According to Intel and the IDA's Sean Dorgan, the announcement this evening had nothing to do with the calling of the General Election and today's dissolution of the 28th Dail.
Some 300 of the jobs are already described as filled, with operatives working on other projects or in the US. Intel says the construction will be ramped up very quickly.
Including sub-contractors, Intel will be employing some 5,200 people following today's announcement.
The Irish company's new general manager Jim O'Hara said today that the Leixlip plant was 'always in competition' with other Intel plants around the world for such projects, and with 'potential new' Intel plants.
©2002knn
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