THE CRUNCH
US chip manufacturers are racing to build fabs and facilities, but experts warn that a massive shortage of engineers and technicians could stall progress by 2030. A report from McKinsey and the SEMI Foundation suggests up to 157,000 positions may remain unfilled by 2030, with only 3% of US engineering graduates entering the sector. Samsung and Intel are investing in local programmes and scholarships to secure a local
workforce, but salary disparities with South Korean competitors may hinder recruitment. Samsung’s Taylor, Texas fab is entering risk production and targeting 50,000 monthly wafer starts, while Intel’s Ohio One plant is expected to begin production between 2030 and 2031. Micron is also expanding its US footprint with a new megafab in New York and research labs in Boise.