Intel Ireland's proven ability in completing facility construction schedules ahead of time was the key deciding factor for locating Intel's latest manufacturing facility in the Republic. The new Fab 24 facility has been given just 15 months to be completed, from sod-turning to early-stage production.
Speaking at yesterday's expansion announcement, the Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise and Employment, Ms Harney, said: "I can tell you there were times when we didn't think we were going to get this investment."
According to Mr Bill Riley, Intel Ireland public affairs manager, the real competition for the Irish operation was potential Intel purchases of readymade manufacturing facilities in the UK that had been, or were about to be, vacated. "These were the most serious contenders on the grounds they could come to full operation on a very fast basis. A critical factor in the success of this technology is that it stays on schedule to begin production by 2001. If not, the implications are unthinkable," Mr Riley said.
According to IDA Ireland spokesman, Mr Colm Donlon: "It is quite a feat to be given just 12 to 15 months to go down 40 feet and come back up with a fully integrated fabrication facility. But Intel Ireland has already proven twice in five years it can deliver on schedule."
Following Intel president and chief executive officer Dr Craig Barrett's announcement in April that the firm's capital investment budget had been revised upward from $5 billion (€5.2 billion) to $6 billion based on increased demand for Intel products, IDA Ireland and Intel Ireland moved to win the investment.
Following initial meetings between senior Intel management and the Government, Intel's in-house corporate construction team completed an in-depth submission on the costing and schedule for locating in Ireland.
Mr Riley said Intel Ireland's biggest challenge was to convince the Intel board of its knowledge advantage. "Knowledge equals speed, and we know the Intel systems inside out. The operations in the UK were primarily just buildings, and not fully operational facilities that had the advantage of strong technology transfer from the US."
Although the skills shortage has been identified as a problem in Ireland, Mr Barrett said it is no worse than anywhere else in the world where there is a high proportion of "disconnect" between a booming technology sector and students' interest in studying relevant disciplines.
Ms Harney said many of the Government's education initiatives over the last three years had been conducted with a view to ensuring a continuous supply of people required for the type of work Intel requires.
Mr Barrett paid tribute to the positive attitude of local and national Government officials, and their continued flexibility in accommodating Intel's requirements.
