What you need to know
- Intel has two new chipmaking facilities planned for Europe.
- These facilities, in addition to other potential expansions, could total €80 billion.
- That translates to roughly $95 billion in USD.
Global semiconductor shortages and strained chip supplies have left a bevy of industries strapped for goods. Without the chips necessary to make everything from certain automobile parts to the best Windows laptops, companies across the world are waiting for chipmakers to step up and produce more product than ever before. That same demand has led to record-breaking revenue for foundries.
Said record-breaking revenue is largely possible thanks to expansion and growth, concepts Intel is deeply familiar with. After pitching $20 billion for domestic wafer fabrication facilities (fabs), it seems the company is ready to spend even more money overseas. It announced plans to build two new facilities in Europe and has left the door open for expansions on those plans, which could result in a final bill of €80 billion (via The Wall Street Journal). That translates to roughly $95 billion in USD.
Intel isn't alone in the rush to produce more chips. Fellow companies such as TSMC and Samsung continue to push for stronger outputs as well. In Intel's case, upping its game has numerous benefits, including subsidies from the U.S. government as the country tries to bolster domestic semiconductor production efforts. And overseas, Intel reaps the rewards of entrenching itself in a diversity of economies.
The U.S. and countries in the EU aren't the only ones keen on boosting their technological capabilities. In its chipmaking war with the U.S., China has been building up its own stable of companies and businesses to parallel foreign counterparts. For example: While Intel develops facilities in the U.S. and Europe, SMIC will be building China's largest fab yet.
