Intel is to build a 300mm-wafer fabrication facility in Chandler, Arizona, the chip giant said yesterday.

The $3bn plant, dubbed Fab 32, is Intel's sixth 300mm-wafer fab, but will be the first to mass-produce 45nm chips when it goes on stream in H2 2007. Other 45nm lines are already in development at Intel's R&D fabs.

Some 1,000 jobs will be created at the site as the facility moves from the construction phase into test production. Some 3,000 workers will be required to assemble the 1 million sq ft factory and install the chip-making equipment.

Four of Intel's existing 300mm fabs are located in Oregon, New Mexico and the company's Ireland facility at Leixlip. Arizona is already home to the fifth 300mm fab, currently being converted from 200mm production to the larger wafer size with a view to beginning production early next year. ®

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