Intel Corporation announced that it has begun a $2 billion construction project to convert a 200mm wafer fabrication facility to a 300mm facility in Chandler, Arizona. The conversion of Fab 12 is scheduled to be completed in late 2005. The converted facility will begin initial production on 65nm process technology.
When completed, the converted Fab 12 will become Intel"s fifth 300mm wafer facility. Five 300mm fabs provide the equivalent manufacturing capacity of about 10 200mm factories. Intel"s other 300mm fabs are located in Hillsboro, Ore. (two facilities), Rio Rancho, N.M. and Leixlip, Ireland. "This project represents a first for Intel – the first complete conversion of an existing 200mm wafer fab to a 300mm fab," said Bob Baker, Intel senior vice president and general manager, Technology and Manufacturing Group.