NEW ALBANY, OH – Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) joined President Joe Biden, state and federal officials, and representatives from the Intel Corporation to break ground on Intel’s new $20 billion semiconductor plant in New Albany, which is made possible by the senator’s work to pass the CHIPS and Science Act.

“America invented the semiconductor. Yet today, 90 percent of them are made overseas. That ends now,” said Brown. “Today, we are burying the term ‘rust belt.’ We’re breaking ground on an investment in our greatest asset: Ohio workers. The technology of the future won’t just be developed in America – it will be made in America, in Ohio, where we have built the engines of progress for generations.”

The project will create at least 10,000 jobs, support tens of thousands of additional jobs in the area and will be built by Ohio union workers. The new plant will build out the domestic supply chain for this critical component for the auto industry and other high-tech manufacturing. This will speed up production, lower prices, end our reliance on China, and secure Ohio’s position as a leader in the industry.

“Today marks a pivotal moment in the journey to build a more geographically balanced and resilient semiconductor supply chain. The establishment of the Silicon Heartland is testament to the power of government incentives to unlock private investment, create thousands of high-paying jobs, and benefit U.S. economic and national security,” said Pat Gelsinger, CEO of Intel. “We would not be here today without the support of leaders in the administration, Congress and the state of Ohio, who share a vision to help restore the United States to its rightful place as a leader in advanced chipmaking.” 

“The CHIPS Act is major accomplishment that will boost domestic production of semiconductor computer chips and bolster American manufacturing.  Most of the semiconductors and microchips that power our phones, household appliances, our vehicles and even our military’s weapons are made outside the U.S.  This bill provides for a massive industry investment with the proper guardrails to ensure corporations that receive the assistance are doing the right thing for our national interests,” said Tim Burga, President of Ohio AFL-CIO. “We thank Senator Brown for his leadership in crafting this critical bill and each member of the Ohio Congressional delegation that voted for it. This bill will spur the creation of thousands of building and construction jobs and provide high-road career paths for Ohioans well into the future while bolstering our economic and national security.” 

“The Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council extends its sincere thanks to Senator Brown for his steadfast tenacity in helping secure this once in a lifetime project for the residents of Ohio as well as his unwavering commitment to the 100,000 men and women who put a hard hat on every day working in the Union Construction Industry in Ohio and who will be instrumental in making this a success,” said Mike Knisley, Executive Secretary and Treasurer for the Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council.

Brown worked with local, state, and other members of Ohio’s Congressional delegation to ensure this project landed in Ohio and was a leader in pushing the CHIPS Act through the Senate and getting the bill to the president’s desk. President Biden signed the CHIPS Bill into law in August.

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