Intel intends to expand D1X, rebuild D1A fabs
Oregon has long been a critical hub for Intel’s global semiconductor technology research and development, housing a multitude of technology development and manufacturing facilities. Last year, Intel announced a $3 billion investment for the expansion project D1X-Mod3, dedicated to broadening the D1X factory in Oregon, underscoring their commitment to leadership in the realm of semiconductor R&D.
As reported by TomsHardware, Intel has submitted a permit application outlining expansion plans for the campus. The document mentions not only a new D1X-Mod4 expansion project but also the reconstruction of the decades-old D1A R&D factory. The installation of new equipment is set to commence as early as 2025 and reach completion by 2028. However, Intel did not delineate the financial scope of these proposed projects in the application, but given the scale of the D1X-Mod3 expansion project, the new plans would presumably necessitate a more substantial investment.
In July, Intel submitted a 1,100-page air quality permit application to Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality, which detailed the improvement measures within these plans. The campus, dubbed “Ronler Acres’ Gordon Moore Park,” could potentially undergo significant expansion, leading to a profound environmental impact. According to Intel, greenhouse gas emissions are expected to more than double, and the manufacturing sector in the region could become the “primary source” of regulated pollutants in the surrounding areas.
However, Intel’s application does not represent a final plan or commitment, but merely signals its future intentions. Currently, Intel operates five factories in the park, including the top-of-the-line D1X factory responsible for manufacturing process development; the D1A factory, where Intel developed manufacturing in the 1980s; the D1B and D1C factories, which produce 10nm products; and the D1D factory, which produces 7nm products. Intel’s investment history in Oregon spans over 50 years, making it the largest facility and talent concentration worldwide. With roughly 22,000 employees, it stands as the largest corporate employer in Oregon.
