Intel Starts Construction of $2.5 Billion Wafer Factory in Dalian

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--Intel started construction of a $2.5 billion wafer factory in China's Dalian City of Liaoning Province on September 9, 2007. The factory, Fab 68, will be one of Intel's leading global wafer factories when it is complete in 2010. Intel has the world's largest global wafer-manufacturing network, in which the Dalian 300-millimeter wafer factory will rank eighth globally and first in Asia. The factory occupies 163,000 square meters with a clean room as large as 15,000 square meters. The designed capacity is 5,000 to 8,000 wafers a week.

Intel will "copy" its techniques in U.S. wafer factories to the Dalian factory, and will probably use 90-nanometer or even 65-nanometer technologies. "Fab 68 will have world-class infrastructure and be an integral part of our global manufacturing network while bringing us closer to our customers and partners in China," Intel Chairman Craig Barrett said.

In the construction, Intel will also put into practice its promises in protecting the environment. A "Central Heat Recycling System" is included in the construction plan to reduce the carbon dioxide emission by 30% as well as the need of cooling water. "We are applying the same world-class design and construction standards in Fab 68 that we apply everywhere in the world," General Manager Kirby Jefferson said. "The design standards for Fab 68 meet Intel's high standards for environmental performance in all areas, including water, energy and chemical waste management."

In terms of chemical-waste management, Intel is able to recycle 68% of all of its chemical waste. Intel will also cooperate with Chinese authorities for environmental protection, to alleviate administrative burdens as much as possible.

Intel’s investment in Fab 68 sets its total investment in China to close to $4 billion. Intel has established two assembly and test plants in Shanghai and Chengdu (Sichuan Province), along with R&D centers and labs in Beijing, Shanghai and elsewhere in China.

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