Intel in Ireland timeline: More than 30 years of expansion

Intel has just announced plans to create 1,600 new jobs as part of a new investment.

The company marked 30 years in Ireland in 2019. At that time Intel had invested $15 billion at its Leixlip site. It has said it will have invested a further $7 billion (€5.9bn) locally by the end of 2021 bringing the total amount to $22 billion.

It currently employs about 5,000 people in Ireland with total headcount set to rise to 6,600 in the coming years.

TIMELINE

1989

Intel announces decision to locate its European headquarters in Ireland at a former 360-acre stud farm in Leixlip, Co Kildare.

1990

Assembly begins in temporary premises.

1991

The company begins construction of the Fab 10 facility in Leixlip.

1993

Intel Ireland manufactures its first computer chip.

1994

Fab 10 opens officially.

1995

The company announces plans to build another factory in Leixlip, this one is called Fab 14.

1998

Fab 14 opens officially.

2000

Intel announces new $2 billion Fab 24 facility.

2001

Construction of Fab 24 is halted in March due to the global economic downturn. About 1,400 construction workers lose their jobs although construction resumes just over a year later.

2005

The one-billionth microchip is manufactured in Leixlip.

2006

Fab 24-2 high-volume semi-conductor manufacturing facility opens officially .

2009

Intel closes Fab 14 facility.

2011

Chip giant begins a $500 million refit of its Leixlip factory.

2014

Intel marks 25 years in Ireland and reveals a €3.63 billion spend on a three-year upgrade of its Leixlip plant. It is described as the largest single investment in the history of the State.

2017

A proposed 90,000sq m facility is granted planning permission.

2018

Intel headquarters signals in December that it is gearing up to expand its Irish operation.

February 2019

Intel submits a planning application for a 110,000sq m development which it plans to tack on to the facility that was given the go-ahead in late 2017.

November 2019

Company welcomes granting of planning permission for its proposed new semi-conductor fabrication facility. The decision comes after multiple objections filed by local farmer Thomas Reid are dismissed.

February 2021

High Court is asked to amend the grounds of a legal challenge by Mr Reid.

March 2021

Intel announces it will create 1,600 high-tech jobs and more than double the manufacturing space at its Irish operation as part of a global plan to accelerate its chipmaking capabilities and revive the company’s fortunes. It also says investment locally by the end of 2021 will have reached $22 billion.