A large, bipartisan group of leaders — including President Joe Biden and Gov. Mike DeWine — gathered at the site of Intel's new semiconductor manufacturing plant just outside Columbus for a groundbreaking ceremony.
There was a buzz of excitement throughout the venue leading up to the ceremony, with various demonstrations and videos playing inside a stage where people gathered before the event.
These displays were captioned with two main phrases “Ohio Let's Build” and “A Future Made In America.”
Biden looks to the future
Biden said the Intel plant is an important step toward that future, where more high-tech products — such as advanced semiconductor chips — are developed and manufactured in the U.S.
“The industrial Midwest is back,” Biden said, the large, open construction site behind him. “That is what you will see in this field of dreams. PhD. engineers and scientists, along with community college graduates. Skilled craftsmen and women. People of all ages, races, backgrounds. With or without advanced degrees. Working side by side making the most sophisticated construction ever.”
The groundbreaking ceremony was originally scheduled for July, but Intel delayed the event until Congress passes the $52 billion CHIPS Act. Biden said the measure, which provides subsidies and credits to the semiconductor industry, was a vital move for America.
“Federal investment attracts private investment. It creates jobs. It creates industries. This shows we're all in this together,” Biden said.
DeWine's administration takes a victory lap
Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, and other officials in his administration used the groundbreaking ceremony as a platform to highlight what Ohio has to offer.
DeWine and Lt. Gen. Jon Husted have been credited with playing a large role in landing the Intel plant in 39 other locations.
“In choosing Ohio, Intel has recognized what we've known all along. And that is that there is simply no better place to raise a family than Ohio, no better place to live, no better place to start or grow a business. And no place, no place that provides more opportunity than Ohio State,” DeWine said.
The $20 billion plant is expected to lead to 7,000 manufacturing jobs and 3,000 long-term Intel jobs.
“This is a great victory. And it is just the begining. In the days and months and years ahead there will be many more wins in Ohio because we invest in and prepare our youth and seniors for the future,” said DeWine.
Intel plant creates more 'opportunities' in Ohio
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, highlighted the impact of the new project and said it's a “new day” for Ohio.
“The days of corporate lobbyists pushing the government to seek cheap labor and outsource jobs are over. This is a new manufacturing industrial policy with good union participation, with good wages. Made in America, Made in America. It's going to make a huge difference in people's lives,” Brown said.
Rep. Troy Balderson, a Republican, said Intel recognized the opportunities Ohio could offer by doing business in the state.
“We have great leadership here, we have great communities, all forms of government are working together from local to federal and I think that's very important. But more importantly, it's the voters, the people who live in these communities who are going to work hard to make sure we do the right things and hold us accountable as well,” Balderson said.
Sen. Jay Hottinger (R-Newark), the Senate president pro tempore, said he was recently at a conference with other state leaders from around the country. As he recalled, Intel's new Ohio factory was a major topic of discussion.
“There were a lot of state leaders around the country who were really mourning the fact that they lost to Ohio. It was kind of like a half-hearted “congratulations,” but there are some states that take it really, really hard. I think that puts Ohio on the map,” said Hottinger, who added that Intel's arrival in Ohio will likely lead to other vendors following suit.
Much discussion at the groundbreaking ceremony also revolved around the workforce along with education and training to support that workforce. Bruce Johnson, president and CEO of the Ohio Intercollegiate Council, said the state's higher education institutions are ready to take on that role.
As for Ohio's reputation in the rest of the world, Johnson said, “If you haven't looked at Ohio, you've missed the boat. Intel knows it. Their supply chain now knows this. Major manufacturers like Honda know this. Google just down the road. Amazon. I mean, this is a worldwide destination.”
