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
Broad co-opportunities
December 18, 2025
Sakura Adachi exemplifies the Bearcat spirit: she works hard, she gives back and she takes full advantage of the opportunities the University of Cincinnati offers.
Hoffman Honors Scholar wins world championship
December 18, 2025
Shea Scarborough, a second-year Hoffman Honors Scholar majoring in Marketing and Sports Administration at the Lindner College of Business, has won a world martial arts championship in Lei Tai.
How to find joy while caregiving through the holidays
December 18, 2025
The University of Cincinnati's Robert Neel was featured in an AARP article discussing the biology of holiday stress for caregivers and ways to manage these intense emotions.