Utah's 'Silicon Slopes' See Major Semiconductor Investment

New chip factories aim to boost domestic chip production and reduce reliance on overseas suppliers.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:35pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a silicon wafer with intricate circuit patterns illuminated by neon cyan and magenta lights, conceptually representing the advanced semiconductor technology being built in Utah's Silicon Slopes.Glowing semiconductor technology symbolizes the major investments in domestic chip manufacturing taking place in Utah's thriving tech hub.Oklahoma City Today

Utah's tech hub known as the 'Silicon Slopes' is attracting significant investment in semiconductor manufacturing, with several new chip factories planned or under construction. The goal is to expand domestic chip production and reduce America's reliance on overseas suppliers, especially in Asia.

Why it matters

Semiconductors are a critical component in everything from smartphones to cars, and the global chip shortage has disrupted supply chains worldwide. Boosting domestic semiconductor manufacturing is seen as a national security priority to ensure a reliable supply of these essential components.

The details

Major chip companies like Intel and Micron have announced plans to build new fabrication plants, or 'fabs', in Utah's Silicon Slopes region. The state is offering lucrative tax incentives and other support to attract these investments, which are expected to create thousands of high-tech manufacturing jobs.

  • In 2022, Intel announced a $20 billion investment to build two new chip factories in the city of Chandler.
  • Micron Technology broke ground on a new $15 billion semiconductor plant in Lehi in 2023.
  • The first phase of the Intel and Micron expansions are expected to be operational by 2026.

The players

Intel

A multinational technology company and one of the world's largest semiconductor chip makers.

Micron Technology

A major American producer of computer memory and data storage including DRAM and NAND flash memory.

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What they’re saying

“This investment in Utah's semiconductor industry is a critical step in strengthening America's technological and economic competitiveness.”

— Governor Spencer Cox, Governor of Utah

“Bringing chip manufacturing back to the U.S. will create high-paying jobs and help secure our supply chains for the future.”

— Pat Gelsinger, CEO of Intel

What’s next

The new semiconductor plants are expected to begin initial production by 2026, with further expansions and hiring planned over the following years.

The takeaway

Utah's emergence as a hub for semiconductor manufacturing underscores a broader national effort to rebuild domestic chip production capacity and reduce reliance on overseas suppliers. This investment aims to strengthen America's technological leadership and economic security.