Construction Begins On Intel's Costa Rica Assembly And Test Site

Costa Rican President Jose Maria Figueres Speaks at Event

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, April 24, 1997 - In ceremonies today, Intel broke ground for its new assembly and test plant "A6/T6" in Costa Rica. The project, which was announced Nov. 13, 1996, initially will consist of 400,000 square feet of manufacturing space. It is expected to cost about $300 million and will employ up to 2,000 people when it begins operations in 1998. This site will assemble and test the latest Intel microprocessors and also Single Edge Contact (S.E.C.) cartridges.

At the event, President Jose Maria Figueres told 200 attendees that Intel represents strategic value to Costa Rica. Mr. Cesar Quiason, an Intel employee for 21 years, the site general manager of the new plant, and said, "To appreciate the future is to remember the event taking place today, as today marks the beginning of a new era in Costa Rica."

Intel Corporate Vice President Mike Splinter, assistant general manager, Technology and Manufacturing Group, said, "Intel chose Costa Rica in part because of its excellent educational system. Local government officials have worked closely with Intel to help get construction started." About the site being in Latin America, Splinter said "This is part of Intel's overall technology commitment to Latin America."

The company has world-class Test and Assembly plants in Penang, Malaysia; Manila, Philippines; Shanghai, PRC; and Chandler, Ariz., USA; and more worldwide manufacturing sites in Ireland; Israel; California, Oregon, and New Mexico, USA.

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