Intel expands in Ireland

Chipzilla is carrying out a large expansion of its Irish manufacturing operation.

Intel already announced plans to boost the size of its Leixlip facility, but has now looks like it wants to expand its Irish operations even more.

The new plans, combined with others announced last year, could see Intel build two new factories.

The vendor’s Irish general manager Eamonn Sinnott said: “Intel Ireland submitted an application to Kildare County Council for an extension and revision to a planning permission which was granted to us in October 2017. As you may be aware, we recently began the early phase of site enablement works for manufacturing site expansion in Leixlip.

“These enabling works are being undertaken within the scope of the planning permission granted to us in 2017. In the weeks and months ahead, we will be actively engaging with our key stakeholders and the broader community.”

The announcement comes after Intel reported a record year earlier this month, before appointing its new CEO.

Plans to bolster its Irish plant were first announced last year, as part of a multibillion-dollar initiative to bolster Intel’s manufacturing capabilities worldwide.

The expansions are partly to help keep up with demand for its 14 nanometre chips, Intel said.