While the platform is still in development the news is a welcome ‘shot-in-the-arm’ for the company which has been struggling in recent years, especially as it has stumbled repeatedly in attempting to build a viable foundry unit capable of rivalling TSMC.
Newly appointed CEO Lip-Bu Tan has said that he wants to reshape Intel and in his first public remarks asked customers to be "brutally honest" when delivering feedback.
While part of his plans to remake Intel includes a major revamp of the company's foundry operation, Tan has faced questions as to his willingness to support the foundry business. However, at an Intel industry event he voiced support for developing the business.
"I'm committed to making the Intel foundry successful, and I know there are areas we need to improve,” Tan said.
Intel is looking to introduce a new type of advanced chipmaking tool known as a high-NA EUV machine through a still-in-development manufacturing process known as 14A.
Its most advanced manufacturing process - 18A – is expected to enter operation towards the second half of 2025 and both Broadcom and Nvidia have run tests using the process.
Intel said that it plans to initially manufacture chips with 18A at its research and development lab near Hillsboro, Oregon, while its factories in Arizona will look to ramp up production this year.
