One of the top Ohio stories for 2022 would be the announcement of the $20 billion investment of Intel.  But that could be just the start.   In January of 2022, the semiconductor chip manufacturer announced their plan to build two plants in Licking County Ohio, just outside of Columbus, and with it create nearly 3,000 new jobs.  In September, Intel broke ground for their facility.

Intel’s $20 billion investment in Ohio has created a ripple effect throughout the state including in Allen County.   Chemtrade Logistics is ready to grow their Cairo facility.  With the help of Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Ohio Speaker of the House Bob Cupp they announced a $50 million expansion project to increase production of Ultrapure Sulphuric Acid, which is needed to clean semiconductor chips during the production process.  With more companies looking to make chips in the United States, Chemtrade says the time to grow is now. 

Chamber members had a chance to learn how statewide leaders are working to staff construction for a manufacturing site coming to Ohio.

Even though crews have been working on the site for a couple of months now, President Biden, Governor Mike DeWine, and other Ohio federal lawmakers were on hand for the ceremony in New Albany, Ohio. Funding for the facility was approved through the Chips and Science Act. Along with speaking about the success of passing that bill, Mr. Biden also remarked on the need to rebuild and increase America's manufacturing capacity.

Intel is expected to start recruiting this fall for the 3,000 workers that will be needed in the Licking County plant, some will be training at their Arizona plant for up to a year and a half before the Ohio plants are expected to open. Intel also will be working with colleges like Rhodes State College and even Ohio high schools to get more of the workers that they will need.

Intel CEO told Washington DC media this past week if an agreement isn’t reached on the bill, the company could change their plans about investing $20 billion in the state. In a tweet, Pat Geisinger says they have equipment in place and started prep work in Licking County, but they need the CHIPS Act to pass before construction starts. Senators Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman have been negotiating a deal for the $52 billion bill. Portman says passage of this bill needs to happen sooner rather than later.

The commencement speaker was Intel CEO Patrick Gelsinger, whose company announced this year a $20 billion investment in Ohio to build factories to make semiconductor chips. Gelsinger was given an honorary doctorate for engineering. Plus, outgoing Senator Rob Portman also received an honorary doctorate for public service from Ohio State. Among all the graduates, 700 were from the college of nursing, which is a record number for a single graduating class from that particular college.

Rhodes State College President Cynthia Spiers adds, “Rhodes State has almost all the programs they’re looking for. We’re already beginning to bring A-1 which is also one of the programs they’re looking for. We’re very well positioned to provide what they need.”

The announcement that was made in January will create 3,000 new manufacturing jobs and thousands more construction jobs. Intel says that the two factories are just the beginning, with the potential of having eight factories at that site. Senators Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown were on hand for the announcement and say that this is a good step toward shoring up the supply chain and putting American workers first.