Intel to expand European chip production with €5bn Ireland investment

Intel has announced a €5 billion investment to expand its Leixlip campus in Ireland, with plans to scale capacity to deliver Intel Xeon 6 and next-gen Intel Xeon chips built on its Intel 3 node.

Using existing capacity across cleanroom space, the company said the investment will see it expand current production output and advance research and development activities.

As part of the move, the chipmaker will upgrade existing fabrication facilities and install new manufacturing equipment.

Key infrastructure enhancements, including an expansion of the automated track system, aim to integrate disparate campus modules into a single, high-velocity production environment.

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“This €5 billion investment represents a definitive commitment to maximize capacity at our Leixlip campus and increase what we can deliver to Intel Foundry customers," said Naga Chandrasekaran, executive vice president, chief technology and operations officer and general manager of Intel Foundry.

“By investing in our existing fabs with state-of-the-art technology and installing cutting-edge tools, we are not just increasing output of critical products like Xeon 6 and next gen Intel Xeon processors built on Intel 3, we are ensuring that Ireland remains at the forefront of the world’s most advanced manufacturing ecosystems, while strengthening the region’s role in the global technology landscape.”

Work has already started, according to Intel, and the company expects it to deliver jobs for specialized tradespeople, including construction workers and equipment installers.

Full-time tech-focused jobs at the chipmaker will also be delivered as part of the expansion scheme.

“Intel’s latest multi-billion-euro investment in Leixlip is a powerful vote of confidence in Ireland, our skills base and our position at the heart of Europe’s most advanced manufacturing ecosystem," said An Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

"At a time of rapid technological change and global competition, this expansion strengthens Ireland’s role in securing resilient semiconductor supply chains and reinforces our ambition to remain a global leader in innovation, productivity and sustainable economic growth.”

Intel builds on deep Ireland ties

Intel has been active in Ireland since 1989, and has invested more than €30 billion in the Leixlip campus, which opened in 2023, in that time.

In 2024, the company sold 49% of the plant to US private equity firm Apollo, but bought it back earlier this year at a higher price. Last August, the US government took a 10% share in Intel at a point when it was valued at less than a fifth of its current market capitalization.

With the EU’s Chips Act aiming to reduce reliance on foreign supplies of chips, Intel said the investment will strengthen Europe’s semiconductor supply chain and support the EU's tech sovereignty ambitions.

“Intel is one of Ireland’s longest standing and most strategically important investors," said Michael Lohan, CEO of Ireland's Industrial Development Authority (IDA).

"This project demonstrates the value of Ireland’s skilled workforce, innovation ecosystem and stable business environment, while reinforcing Ireland's leadership in advanced semiconductor manufacturing, supporting both European competitiveness and resilient global supply chains.”

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