Advanced Packaging Leads The Way To Intel Foundry Success

InnovationAIAdvanced Packaging Leads The Way To Intel Foundry SuccessByFrancis Sideco,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Tech/Strategy executive advisor focused on all things techfor Tirias ResearchFollow AuthorMay 20, 2026, 08:28pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Intel's Rio Rancho FacilityIntelEver since former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger announced in 2021 that Intel was entering the semiconductor foundry business, the focus has been on Intel’s ability to compete on the most advanced semiconductor process nodes. With this came the announcement of five new process nodes in four years and new state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Arizona and Ohio. To its credit, Intel delivered on the new process nodes, the most advanced being Intel 18A, which is now in volume production in Intel products at Fab 25 in Hillsboro, Oregon and Fab 52 at Intel’s Ocotillo site in Chandler, Arizona. In Arizona, the sheer size of both Fab 52 and Fab 62, as well as the 700-acre site that holds four other fabs (12, 22, 32, and 42), is impressive. However, Intel is still in the early stages of working with its initial customers for both the current Intel 18A process and the forthcoming Intel 14A process. But the other side of Intel Foundry, responsible for advanced semiconductor packaging, is a completely different story.One of Intel’s core competencies is semiconductor manufacturing, and it has always led the industry in the research and development of new fabrication processes and packaging technology. Despite its stumbles in bringing new process nodes to market starting around 2013 with the 14nm generation, Intel never missed a beat in advanced packaging. In fact, many companies inquired about using Intel’s advanced packaging capabilities when it first explored becoming a foundry as early as 2010, but Intel’s management refused to consider packagin...