Ohio, Let’s Build

The largest economic development deal in Ohio’s history was celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony in New Albany, Ohio at Intel’s newest U.S. manufacturing site in 40 years. The event was attended by President Joe Biden, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Intel president and CEO, Pat Gelsinger, JobsOhio president and CEO, J.P. Nauseef, dozens of state and local elected officials, dignitaries, and educational and business leaders.

In January, Intel announced plans for an initial investment of more than $20 billion to construct two new leading-edge chip factories in Ohio. The first phase of the project is expected to create 3,000 Intel jobs and 7,000 construction jobs over the course of the build and to support tens of thousands of additional local long-term jobs across a broad ecosystem of suppliers and partners.

“This is about our economic security. It’s about our national security. It’s about good-paying union jobs you can raise a family on,” said Joe Biden, President of the United States. “Jobs now, jobs for the future. Jobs in every part of the country, we’re not going to leave a part behind. There’s no need to not develop the whole country. Jobs that show the Industrial Midwest is back.”

“We celebrate today a great victory for Ohio, but an even greater victory for our nation,” said Ohio State Governor Mike DeWine. “On behalf of the state of Ohio, we will not let you down. Our greatest asset is our people. Ohioans are the heart of the new Silicon Heartland.”

Boosting chip production in the U.S. is critical to national security and industrial competitiveness. Bringing the production of this important technology back to the U.S. means a safer nation and a more secure future.

 “Our work in Ohio will determine whether America's economic national security will be strengthened by creating a stable supply of computer chips,” said Lt. Governor of Ohio, Jon Husted. “It will determine how Ohio fulfills the promise of becoming the center of high-tech manufacturing in America, so our children and grandchildren will never have to look beyond Ohio for great career opportunities.”

Husted went on to say, “Winning Intel’s investment wasn’t secured by chance. It was won through great collaboration with the private sector and leadership in government at the local, state, and federal levels. Today’s groundbreaking is not the end of that collaboration. It’s only the beginning.”

“Today we continue building on an era of innovation,” said Pat Gelsinger, President and CEO, Intel. “I must say, the welcome that we have received in Ohio is nothing short of tremendous. Education, manufacturing, good old Midwest values we are thrilled that this is what the Silicon Heartland will represent for this area, for the Midwest, for this nation.”

The initial manufacturing facilities will be located on a 926-acre site in Licking County and New Albany. But the impact will be statewide. More than 169 existing Ohio businesses across the state are already Intel suppliers, and the project is expected to bring additional new businesses to Ohio to support the supply chain.

“The sheer enormity of this site is fitting because it reflects the ambition and scale of Intel's commitment combined with Ohio's commitment to securing our economic future, said J.P. Nauseef, President and CEO JobsOhio. “We are quite literally in the midst of a Generational Opportunity – an economic Renaissance for the American Midwest - and Ohio is leading the way.”

Christy Pambianchi, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, Intel, announced the first funding phase of the Intel Semiconductor Education and Research Program for Ohio. “Under the first phase, we are providing $17.7 million, funding eight proposals for leading institutions and collaborators in Ohio.”

The funding involves more than 80 higher education institutions in the state and is expected to support 9,000 students pursuing degrees at the associate, bachelor, or advanced degree levels. Intel plans to also ensure student diversity, with one-third of students from underrepresented groups and one-quarter of which will be women.

“And that’s what we see in this field of dreams,” said President Biden. “PhD engineers and scientists alongside community college graduates, skilled craftsmen, men and women. People of all ages, races, and backgrounds. People with degrees. People with no degrees – working side by side doing the most sophisticated manufacturing that’s ever been done.”

“The place we stand today is much more than an empty field,” said U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson, “For generations, this community has been a place of opportunity. Last week I had the chance to speak with students at the career tech center of Licking County. These kids give me hope.”

“We are investing in and preparing our young people, and our older people, for the future, said Governor DeWine. “A future that is bright, a future that holds great promise, and a future where all Ohioans can live their American dream.”

The recently passed CHIPS and Science Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $39 billion in financial assistance for semiconductor companies, like Intel, including up to $6 billion that could be used for loans and loan guarantees.

 “There was a lot of blood, sweat, and tears that went into this, but we knew what was good for this nation, for our national security,” said U.S. Rep Joyce Beatty. “We knew what it would say to the great state of Ohio for jobs. It is a partnership… that not often we can come [to] say thank you, business leaders, thank you elected officials – democrats and republicans. Thank you, labor leaders. Thank you, community leaders. Thank you to the women, the minorities, and Black Americans who will share in this historic day.”