WVXU: Intel bringing semiconductor chip factory to Ohio
UC economics professor says investment means Ohio is a manufacturing hub
Semiconductor chip manufacturer Intel recently announced it will construct a $20 billion factory northeast of Columbus. According to WVXU, the development would not only become Ohio’s first “chip factory” but would employ 3,000 workers, with each employee averaging $135,000 annually.
Michael Jones, PhD, associate professor of economics at the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, said Intel’s investment reflects Ohio’s manufacturing capabilities.
Michael Jones, PhD, associate professor of economics at the Carl H. Lindner College of Business.
“We know what we’re doing in manufacturing,” Jones said. “Even though historically we’ve done a lot of car manufacturing and aircraft engine manufacturing, so the opportunity to work in the semiconductor industry I think is exciting for the state.”
Jones is looking forward to the positive ramifications of what is being billed as the largest private-sector investment in Ohio’s history.
“Ohio has made significant investments,” Jones said. “Just recently the Cincinnati Innovation District here with the University of Cincinnati received $100 million from the state to grow its workforce where thousands of new employees trained in STEM fields.”
Per WVXU, though Intel has four chip plants in the U.S., 75% of semiconductors are made in Asia in Taiwan, South Korea, China and Japan. Semiconductor chips are essential for cars, cell phones, medical devices and other products, and customer demand during the pandemic has created a scarcity of available chips.
Rashmi Jha, PhD, and a professor in electrical engineering and computer science at UC's College of Engineering and Applied Science, said semiconductor jobs moving offshore has created a workforce shortage.
“If the students can’t find a job in the areas we teach them, over time those areas will vanish, right?” Jha said. “So the fact that Intel is opening here will also promote educators to train the workforce in this area.”
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
Beyond the Classroom: Perspectives on Long-Term Study Abroad
November 21, 2024
More than 1300 UC students studied abroad in 2023-24. Most students tend to sway towards the most popular option of faculty-led programs, because of its shorter duration and high level of faculty support. But some UC students strike out on their own, choosing to fly solo for a semester to a year with long-term study abroad programs.
Takeaways from conversations with wrongfully convicted Ohio...
November 20, 2024
Public radio journalist Mary Evans casts a spotlight on wrongful conviction and the work of the Ohio Innocence Project at UC Law.
Why can it be so tough to find health care for adults with...
November 20, 2024
Everyone needs to go to a doctor from time to time. But for adults with disabilities, finding a medical provider can be a challenge. A 2022 study found some doctors try to avoid treating patients with disabilities because of feeling overwhelmed and inadequately reimbursed for accommodations they need to provide.