Construction to restart on Intel's 'Fab 24'plant

Construction at Leixlip on Intel's latest semi-conductor facility known as 'Fab 24' is to restart and will be ready for production in the first half of 2004. It will produce 300 mm wafers, using Intel's next generation 90-nanometer logic technology.

"The restart of construction on the site is a strong endorsement by the Corporation of Intel Ireland's key role in its future technology and manufacturing plans" said Jim O'Hara, Intel Ireland site manager.

When fully operational, Fab 24 is expected to employ approximately 1000 people. To date there are already 300 people assigned to the Fab 24 project. There are currently 3,150 Intel employees in Leixlip, with a further 1,000 in permanent employment with long-term sub-contractors to Intel. There is also a further 82 people employed at Intel Communications Europe located in Shannon, Co. Clare.

Construction employment will grow rapidly to approximately 1,500 over the coming months and will be ongoing over the next 18 months.