Intel’s mothballed Fab 42 is back in business to make next-gen chips, and CEO Krzanich uses it to endorse administration efforts to boost US manufacturing.
Intel CEO Brian Krzanich, left, stands next to President Donald Trump to announce a next-generation chip factory.
Intel chip factories come and go, but a new one planned for Arizona assumed new political importance amid President Donald Trump ‘s attempt to enliven US manufacturing.
Intel Chief Executive Brian Krzanich stood by Trump in the White House on Wednesday to announce a plan to resuscitate an Arizona chip factory called Fab 42, boasting of the company’s manufacturing prowess and criticizing US regulations. His close proximity contrasts with many tech companies’ displeasure with the new administration.
« Intel is proud of the fact that the majority of our manufacturing is here in the US and the majority of our research and development is here in the US while over 80 percent of what we sell is sold outside the US, » Krzanich said. « We’ve been able to do that even while the regulatory and tax policies have disadvantaged us in the past relative to the competition we’ve had across the world. »
Trump tweeted his pleasure at Intel’s move : « Thank you Brian Krzanich, CEO of @Intel. A great investment ($7 BILLION) in American INNOVATION and JOBS! #AmericaFirst »
Although Intel capitalized on the administration’s priorities, it had nothing to do with the company’s actual decision. « We’re thrilled to have the recognition for the investment and to be able to show people we’re investing in the future of innovation in the US, but it wasn’t tied to any specific policy or anything the administration did, » Intel spokesman William Moss said.
