Intel wants to build a microchip factory in the province of Verona

The US microchip company Intel, in agreement with the outgoing government led by Mario Draghi, has selected Vigasio, in the province of Verona, as a favorite site for building a semiconductor factory. The reported the international news agency Reuters citing two sources close to the agreement. Vigasio is a town of 10 thousand inhabitants in Veneto, in the province of Verona. The initial investment will be 4.5 billion euros but it could grow over time and according to the company’s estimates, the new plant will create 1,500 direct jobs and 3,500 indirect. The activities should start between 2025 and 2027. A part of the investment, about 40%, it will be covered with public funds from the Italian governmentwhich is why the agreement will also have to be formalized with the government that will take office following the elections of the 25th and which presumably will be led by the leader of the Brothers of Italy Giorgia Meloni.

Intel’s investment in gigafactory of Vigasio falls into a broader investment plan for Europethat the company announced last March. This plan will include investments worth a total of 80 billion euros over the next ten years, aimed at creating an integrated system on the continent, having – for example – manufacturing factories in one country and packaging plants in another. It is a symbol of the restructuring of the business model of the company, which historically deals with the design of semiconductors, but which now also aims to become a manufacturer, effectively entering the market segment currently dominated by Tsmc and Samsung.

According to the sources of ReutersIntel and the Italian government had reached an agreement on the factory as early as the beginning of September, but they decided to postpone the public announcement until after the elections. Vigasio was considered the best option for the construction of the plant due to its geographical position. Being on the Brenner motorway, the municipality is in fact well connected with Germany and in particular with Magdeburg, where Intel intends to build two factories. Other options that have been considered include sites in Lombardy, Puglia and Sicily. For the time being, neither Intel nor the government press office have commented on the news.