Intel Fab 32 Grand Opening – Ramping up 45nm MPUs

Last week Intel had its official grand opening for Fab 32 in Chandler, AZ. This is Intel’s sixth 300mm facility and its second at 45nm. The company’s Oregon development facility, D1D, has been producing 45nm MPUs. Fab 32 will be crucial for Intel’s aggressive ramp up schedule by providing high volume production. In early October Intel started production wafers. Two additional 45nm, 300mm manufacturing fabs are scheduled to open next year in Kiryat Gat, Israel (Fab 28) and Rio Rancho, N.M. (Fab 11x).

Fab 32 costs $3 B; it has 184,000 square feet of clean room space. The entire structure measures 1 million square feet. It is located on the same campus as Fab 12 and Fab 22. Currently Fab 12 is producing 65 nm MPUs. Eventually Intel will transition Fab 12 to 65nm Chipsets. Fab 22 is currently producing 130nm Southbridge chipsets. No word on the future plans for Fab 22.

Semico Spin

Intel’s strength is in manufacturing. The MPU design and process technology are important, but to maintain its market share and achieve economy of scale, Intel’s manufacturing capacity is a driving force.