Intel Opening Chip Plant In Arizona

Intel Corp. is opening a new $3 billion factory in Arizona that will be dedicated to the production of 45nm chips. The Chandler, Ariz.-based plant will begin production of the Penryn family of microprocessors today. The chips will be available for sale on Nov. 12, according to Associated Press reports. The 1-million-square-foot factory will employ more than 1,000 workers. Intel is also planning a new factory in Kiryat Gat, Israel and intends to revamp an existing facility in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Intel is keeping ahead of rival chipmaker AMD, which currently manufactures chips at the 65nm node and has lost $1.61 billion on sales of $4.24 billion over the last nine months. Meanwhile, Intel made $4.77 billion in profit on $27.6 billion in sales over the same period.