Faced with soaring demand for its 32-bit microprocessors, Intel Corp has brought forward the second phase of its three-phase 10 year Irish development programme launched in October 1989 (CI No 1,276). It is to build a $300m state-of-the-art wafer fabrication facility near Dublin to accompany its systems manufacturing facility in Leixlip, County Kildare. To begin with, it will work to 0.8 micron design rules producing the 80486 processor and support circuits. With equipment upgrades, the plant will then move to 0.5 micron technology, then to 0.35 micron, reaching 0.25 micron capabili ty. Details and background – see page five
