Fab 2 in Malta, NY is now official

What a once in a lifetime opportunity, the chance to witness the beginning of what may become the epicentre of technology and innovation in the United States: the ground breaking of Globalfoundries, Fab2 in Malta, NY, USA.

In the quaint and quiet town of Malta, NY stands a small technology park, known as a technology park only by the sign which clearly states it, is the US home of Globalfoundries.  Ask a “local” about Globalfoundries and you will receive animated adulation and excitement, not to mention an awe inspiring sense of opportunity and welcome.  This became very apparent to me when I was in a taxi from the hotel to the Globalfoundries offices, my taxi driver was no more than 22 years old, and he gushed at the chance to talk to me about applying to the Globalfoundries Training Program for the Fab2 project.  He mentioned that he did not want to be  a taxi driver forever and that Fab2 presented a  once in a lifetime opportunity.  In speaking to other locals, I received the sense that our young taxi driver was not alone; the whole county of Saratoga is abuzz in anticipation.

The locals have lots to be excited about; the current estimate is that Fab2 will generate up to 1400-1500 direct jobs and up to an additional 5,000 in-direct jobs totaling more than $300 million dollars in payroll a year for Fab2.  In today’s economy, this is all very good news.

The location is not by happenstance, it’s a clever master strategy by the State of New York and its many private partners over many years.  If you were to draw a line through NY State you would fine IBM’s East Fishkill complex to the south, the College of Nanoscale Science & Engineering in the middle and now, Globalfoundries 28nm/22nm Fab2 just north of Albany.  A masterfully designed Technology Centre of Excellence.

Prior to the groundbreaking ceremony I had the opportunity to sit down with the former Chairman/CEO/President of AMD and currently the Chairman of Globalfoundries Hector Ruiz:

Hector Ruiz has been the main champion behind the creation of Fab2 but could only have achieved this monumental milestone through the hard work of many local and federal politicians and technology partnerships with companies like AMD and ATIC. Just before the groundbreaking event started, I caught up with Dirk Meyer President and CEO to AMD to get his thoughts on the epic day:

Dirk sums it up well, Fab2 is made possible by collaboration, and Hector and Dirk both graciously reiterated the significant role “People” played in making this all happen; the list of VIP’s attending the event is second to none, here are some highlights: NY State Governor Patterson NY State Senator Schumer Congressman Murphy Former NY State Governor Pataki

shovels hitting the ground

And it's official, Globalfoundries Fab2 is ready to be built

The event attracted huge attention locally and nationally, CNBC, Good Morning America, CBS News and a host of local broadcasters were on-site to witness history in the making, as did 400 local participants.  One of the highlights was when former Governor Pataki stepped up on stage to sum up what the groundbreaking meant to him. He and his fellow politicians have been working towards this day for over 15 years; he bestowed a heartfelt thanks to Senator Joe Bruno for his vision and tenacity to drive this project forward as well as Dr.Alain Kalyeros who has been instrumental in the local technology scene. With one quick slice of the shovel it was over, or rather just beginning. Fab2 becomes a reality after many years of focused effort and hurtling multiple obstacles. AMD is once again at the forefront of innovation and enabling technology for the future!

Cheers!

Ian “Cabrtosr” McNaughton

Ian McNaughton is senior manager of advanced marketing at AMD. His postings are his own opinions and may not represent AMD’s positions, strategies or opinions. Links to third party sites are provided for convenience and unless explicitly stated, AMD is not responsible for the contents of such linked sites and no endorsement is implied.