Showing posts with label Israel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Israel. Show all posts

Sunday, October 22, 2023

Hamas' Brutal Attacks on Israel Could Disrupt Global Tech Supply Chain and Intel's Expansion Plans

The escalating Israel-Hamas war, after Hamas brutal attack on Israel and innocent civilians, is affecting the global tech sector. Many professionals, including top executives, are now serving as reservists in the Israel Defense Forces, as highlighted by EPSNews. Intel, a major private employer in Israel, along with other tech giants like Nvidia, Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft, faces potential disruptions, especially with facilities near conflict zones. The blockade in Gaza and transportation interruptions further strain the supply chain, emphasizing the tech industry's vulnerability to geopolitical challenges.



Intel factory in Kiryat Gat, employing about 5000 workers, which manufactures computer chips (wWikipedia), Location of Intel Fabs in Israel (Google)

Kiryat Gat, situated in Israel's Southern District, is known for Intel's semiconductor fabrication plants, including Fab 28 and the upcoming Fab 38. Founded in 1954, the city has grown significantly due to Jewish immigration over the decades and it remains an educational hub with 25 schools serving over 10,000 students.

The Israel-Hamas conflict has intensified concerns over the global semiconductor supply chain, as CNBC reports. With Israel being a key player in chip production, the geopolitical unrest poses risks to the semiconductor industry. The recent kidnapping of an Nvidia engineer further accentuates these threats, prompting tech firms to prioritize their employees' safety in the region.

Bloomberg reported this summer of Intel Corp.'s initiative to set up a new manufacturing facility in Israel. This move is part of Intel's strategy to diversify its production sources. While details remain undisclosed, the facility will focus on wafer fabrication. Intel's CEO, Pat Gelsinger, intends to expand manufacturing bases outside Asia. The plant, expected to operate from 2027, will be located in Kiryat Gat and is seen as a significant foreign investment in Israel. This development aligns with the global shift in chip manufacturing, as seen with Intel's investment in Poland and Micron Technology's potential investment in India.

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