NEW ALBANY, Ohio (WCMH) — In a reversal of past years, Intel is reinvesting in foundry projects like Ohio in 2026.
For much of 2025, Intel was uncertain how much it could invest in semiconductor manufacturing projects like the one planned in Licking County. Now, Intel said it is experiencing an AI-driven boost in manufacturing demand, announcing two foundry expansions in recent weeks. For Intel Ohio One, a foundry project, the increased investments are likely an encouraging sign. See previous coverage of Intel in Ohio in the video player above.
Unlike many companies, Intel both designs and manufactures semiconductors, two distinct processes. Intel Ohio One falls under Intel Foundry, the company’s manufacturing division. Foundry develops and patents methods for manufacturing semiconductors, or tiny computer chips that power everything from LED light bulbs to high-tech AI.
Intel’s $28 billion Licking County investment plans to have two semiconductor fabs up and running by 2032. In recent years, Intel struggled with major Foundry investments like Ohio One after overestimating demand, leading to multiple delays in construction and an announcement in July 2025 that efforts in Ohio would slow. Intel also said if its newest method for manufacturing semiconductors, 14A, did not get buyers, the Ohio plant would likely be canceled entirely.
According to recent Intel filings, Ohio’s plant is still dependent on finding buyers for 14A. Possible 14A customers would likely emerge once 14A hits the market, which Intel leaders said will take place in 2027. In January, Tan said Intel is “going big time into the 14A,” and he said he was optimistic about the technology’s momentum.
In the last six months, Intel suddenly saw much-needed increased demand for semiconductor manufacturing thanks to the AI boom. In recent weeks, Intel began re-investing in semiconductor manufacturing, a likely positive sign for Ohio.
On April 1, Intel announced it would buy back its stake in its Ireland fab. Intel sold 49% of its stake in Intel’s Fab 34, based in Leixlip, Ireland, in 2024 to asset management company Apollo for $11.2 billion. At the time, Intel leaders said the sale allowed Intel to refocus its efforts amid financial pressures. Intel paid Apollo $14.2 billion to regain total access this month, indicating the company can revisit foundry investments.
“Our 2024 agreement was the right structure at the right time and provided Intel with meaningful flexibility, enabling us to accelerate critical initiatives,” Intel CFO David Zinsner said. “Today, we have a stronger balance sheet, improved financial discipline and an evolved business strategy.”
On Monday, Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan announced on social media that Intel will join Elon Musk’s companies SpaceX, xAi and Tesla in another foundry project called Terafab. Terafab, located in Texas, will develop semiconductors for Musk’s AI and robotics projects. The announcement was made only on X without accompanying press releases or federal filings so details are limited. However, the move is another Intel reinvestment in foundry activities.
A WIRED report this week also claimed Intel is in talks with Amazon to produce semiconductors. On Thursday, Intel announced a new agreement with Google. Major partnerships like Google and the alleged Amazon deal would significantly bolster Intel’s foundry and increase demand for places like Ohio One.
Intel’s revived foundry investments are a good sign for Ohio One. Past delays and slowed investments in Ohio were tied directly to a lack of need for foundry projects. Intel’s recent investments indicate the company is positioned to continue investing in places like Ohio.
Ohioans will get more information into Intel’s investments in late April when the company announces its first quarter 2026 financial results.
For much of 2025, Intel was uncertain how much it could invest in semiconductor manufacturing projects like the one planned in Licking County. Now, Intel said it is experiencing an AI-driven boost in manufacturing demand, announcing two foundry expansions in recent weeks. For Intel Ohio One, a foundry project, the increased investments are likely an encouraging sign. See previous coverage of Intel in Ohio in the video player above.
Unlike many companies, Intel both designs and manufactures semiconductors, two distinct processes. Intel Ohio One falls under Intel Foundry, the company’s manufacturing division. Foundry develops and patents methods for manufacturing semiconductors, or tiny computer chips that power everything from LED light bulbs to high-tech AI.
Intel’s $28 billion Licking County investment plans to have two semiconductor fabs up and running by 2032. In recent years, Intel struggled with major Foundry investments like Ohio One after overestimating demand, leading to multiple delays in construction and an announcement in July 2025 that efforts in Ohio would slow. Intel also said if its newest method for manufacturing semiconductors, 14A, did not get buyers, the Ohio plant would likely be canceled entirely.
According to recent Intel filings, Ohio’s plant is still dependent on finding buyers for 14A. Possible 14A customers would likely emerge once 14A hits the market, which Intel leaders said will take place in 2027. In January, Tan said Intel is “going big time into the 14A,” and he said he was optimistic about the technology’s momentum.
In the last six months, Intel suddenly saw much-needed increased demand for semiconductor manufacturing thanks to the AI boom. In recent weeks, Intel began re-investing in semiconductor manufacturing, a likely positive sign for Ohio.
On April 1, Intel announced it would buy back its stake in its Ireland fab. Intel sold 49% of its stake in Intel’s Fab 34, based in Leixlip, Ireland, in 2024 to asset management company Apollo for $11.2 billion. At the time, Intel leaders said the sale allowed Intel to refocus its efforts amid financial pressures. Intel paid Apollo $14.2 billion to regain total access this month, indicating the company can revisit foundry investments.
“Our 2024 agreement was the right structure at the right time and provided Intel with meaningful flexibility, enabling us to accelerate critical initiatives,” Intel CFO David Zinsner said. “Today, we have a stronger balance sheet, improved financial discipline and an evolved business strategy.”
On Monday, Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan announced on social media that Intel will join Elon Musk’s companies SpaceX, xAi and Tesla in another foundry project called Terafab. Terafab, located in Texas, will develop semiconductors for Musk’s AI and robotics projects. The announcement was made only on X without accompanying press releases or federal filings so details are limited. However, the move is another Intel reinvestment in foundry activities.
A WIRED report this week also claimed Intel is in talks with Amazon to produce semiconductors. On Thursday, Intel announced a new agreement with Google. Major partnerships like Google and the alleged Amazon deal would significantly bolster Intel’s foundry and increase demand for places like Ohio One.
Intel’s revived foundry investments are a good sign for Ohio One. Past delays and slowed investments in Ohio were tied directly to a lack of need for foundry projects. Intel’s recent investments indicate the company is positioned to continue investing in places like Ohio.
Ohioans will get more information into Intel’s investments in late April when the company announces its first quarter 2026 financial results.