Economy

Intel raises first major truss at Ohio chip plant, but opening slips to 2030

Intel has installed the first major structural truss at its long-delayed chip factory in New Albany, Ohio — a visible construction milestone for the $30 billion project that is now running at least five years behind schedule, the company confirmed on October 21.

Intel Foundry chief Naga Chandrasekaran called it "another significant step toward expanded U.S. leading-edge semiconductor capacity." But the timeline tells the harder story: when Intel announced the Ohio project in 2022, the first fab was expected to deliver chips in 2025. It is now targeted to begin operations in 2030, with a second fab planned for 2031.

The delay reflects a more cautious strategy under CEO Lip-Bu Tan, who took over in 2025 and is advancing large-scale factory construction only once customer demand is clear. Intel has not yet announced a major outside customer for the Ohio plant — a step analysts see as key to justifying the investment.

In the same update, Intel said equipment installation has begun at Fab 62 in Arizona, expected to start operating in early 2028. Across its U.S. footprint, the company says it works with more than 4,500 suppliers in 49 states.

Sources: Columbus Dispatch (Oct 21, 2026); CNBC (Oct 21, 2026).

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