Published -June 22nd, 2023 @ 11:00 AM (GMT+2)
Poland's Pursuit of Intel
In July 2021, Poland began a dedicated campaign to attract the attention of Intel, a globally recognized tech giant. Over the following two years, officials from the Polish government and municipalities consistently met with Intel representatives, employing the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH) and the Industrial Development Agency (ARP) to spearhead the discussions.
Remote Negotiations Amid Pandemic
Despite the impact of COVID-19 restrictions, the dialogue proceeded remotely, with Marcin Fabianowicz, the director of PAIH's investment center, and two senior Intel executives taking the lead. Fabianowicz reported that from their first in-person meeting, he was convinced Poland could secure the project due to the promising and cordial nature of the talks.
Overcoming Initial Setbacks
However, in March 2022, when Intel announced its European investments, Germany received the major factory in Magdeburg, and Poland was only granted an expansion of its existing facility in Gdansk. Poland remained resilient and continued negotiations, ultimately securing a deal in a meeting held the following month.
Project IQ: Showcasing Wroclaw's Appeal
The efforts of the Polish government were part of a confidential strategy dubbed "Project IQ". A team from an agency promoting Wroclaw's development compiled an impressive presentation showcasing the city's family-friendly amenities, schools, cycling lanes, swimming pools, and economic and demographic data. Intel executives were further swayed by the fact that Wroclaw is home to Poland's American football and basketball champions.
Intel's New Factory Amid Global Chip Shortage
Intel's new plant, sitting on a 285-hectare plot, will be neighbouring another chip factory of the edible kind, owned by PepsiCo, and a window manufacturing facility. The European Parliament has warned of a global semiconductor shortage affecting everything from mobile phones to electric vehicles that is likely to persist throughout 2023. It typically takes two to three years to construct a new chip-making factory.
Infrastructure Development and Building Permissions
The land for Intel's new plant is located in Wroclaw, divided between two municipalities -- Miekinia and Sroda Slaska. To support the factory, the region plans to invest in new roads, electric buses, a water treatment facility, and high-voltage power lines. Intel has also been granted permission to build structures reaching up to 50 meters in height, exceeding the usual 20-meter restriction.
Intel's Investment Encourages Further Industry Interest
Poland's successful engagement with Intel has spurred ambitions to attract other high-profile companies, like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp (TSMC), the world's largest contract chipmaker. According to several officials, discussions with TSMC began last year. Jakub Mazur, the deputy mayor of Wroclaw, expressed optimism, stating that Intel's investment would create a "snowball effect" and draw more interest from entities like TSMC.
Intel's $4.6B new chip plant in Poland, read more
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