GlobalFoundries (Nasdaq: GFS) has begun construction on a new 300 mm semiconductor fab at its Malta, New York, site, the first facility to move forward under a U.S.-Japan initiative that provides up to USD 21 billion in funding.

The company marked the start of construction with a groundbreaking event on, joined by U.S. and Japanese government officials, state and local leaders, customers, partners, employees, and community members.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul was among those who attended. GlobalFoundries, which also refers to itself as GF, described the project as a first-of-its-kind model that brings together Japanese investment with GF's technology and manufacturing expertise.

The stated aim is to expand trusted U.S. semiconductor capacity and support growing demand across automotive, industrial, and connected infrastructure markets.

How the Initiative Is Structured

According to the company, Japan will provide the investment, while GF will contribute its differentiated technologies, manufacturing expertise, and proven operational capabilities.

An initial investment of approximately USD 10 billion is accelerating construction of the first fab, supported by USD 570 million in incentives from New York State.

The first fab is expected to come online in 2029. A further investment of approximately USD 10 billion will support a second fab as the project advances.

Capacity and Market Focus

When fully operational, the first fab is expected to add approximately 900,000 300mm wafers of annual U.S. manufacturing capacity. A second fab would add approximately the same amount.

GF said the new capacity will expand its ability to support customers worldwide with foundational semiconductors for automotive, industrial, and connected infrastructure applications.

Jobs and Workforce Development

Tim Breen, CEO of GlobalFoundries, said the groundbreaking turns an ambitious partnership into reality. "Today, we're putting shovels in the ground and turning an ambitious partnership into reality," Breen said.

"This first-of-its-kind initiative brings together the strengths of the United States, Japan and GF to expand trusted semiconductor manufacturing at a scale that matters. We're proud to build on our long history in New York and deliver the capacity, technology, and supply chain resilience our customers and both nations need for the future."

Grant McEwan, vice president and general manager of GF's Malta, New York Fab, pointed to the site's existing strengths. "We've spent years building something special here in Malta, and this investment is a recognition of what our team has accomplished," McEwan said.

"We have a world-class workforce, proven manufacturing capabilities, and the infrastructure to grow, all at one of the nation's most advanced semiconductor manufacturing sites.

This next chapter will create opportunities for thousands of people, strengthen our community, and help ensure the Capital Region remains at the center of U.S. semiconductor manufacturing for decades to come."

Elected Officials Weigh In

Governor Hochul framed the project in terms of state and domestic supply chain priorities. "New York is building the future of American semiconductor manufacturing, and today's groundbreaking marks another major step forward for our state and the Capital Region," Hochul said.

"With up to a USD 21 billion investment, more than 1,000 new manufacturing jobs, and thousands of construction jobs, GlobalFoundries is demonstrating what is possible when we invest in our workforce and growing technology industries.

U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Charles E. Schumer called Upstate New York "the chip hub of the country" and tied the project to federal legislation. "I fought to pass my CHIPS & Science Law to make this Upstate economic resurgence possible," Schumer said.

"Today, we are seeing that vision become reality as decades of manufacturing loss are replaced by a future where technologies the world needs will be proudly stamped 'Made in Upstate New York.'"

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said the initiative would create thousands of construction and manufacturing jobs. "Through hard work and critical investments, we have made New York's Capital Region a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing," Gillibrand said.

"This new initiative will create thousands of good-paying construction and manufacturing jobs, strengthening the Upstate economy for years to come.

Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20) said he had long believed in the region's potential. "I've long believed in our Capital Region's potential to be a pioneer in chip development and manufacturing powerhouse and have worked hard to drive investments that unlock that full potential," Tonko said.

"Today's groundbreaking opens an extraordinary new chapter and further secures our region as the leader in this industry. I applaud this partnership that will create thousands of good-paying, union jobs, expand trusted domestic manufacturing capacity, and strengthen the supply chains our economy and national security depend on."

From Fab Groundbreaking to Ribbon-Cutting: Tracking America's Semiconductor Build-Out

The semiconductor construction wave sweeping the United States is moving faster than most teams can monitor. New fabs, advanced packaging facilities, and supplier campuses are emerging across multiple states, each at a different stage and backed by different funding sources. Staying ahead of this activity requires more than scattered news alerts and outdated spreadsheets.

For equipment vendors, engineering firms, contractors, and material suppliers, timing is everything. Knowing which project is entering procurement this quarter, or which contract was just awarded, can shape pipeline strategy and win rates.

The Global Project Tracking (GPT) platform by Blackridge Research delivers verified, up-to-date intelligence on semiconductor developments across North America, helping you act while opportunities are still open.

Instead of piecing together fragmented information, you get a single, structured view of the entire project lifecycle, so your business development, sales, and planning teams can focus on the opportunities that matter most.

• Upcoming Projects

• Tender Notices

• Contract Awards

• Projects Under Construction

• Completed Projects

Book a free demo today and see how the Global Project Tracking (GPT) platform by Blackridge Research can transform your North American oil and gas pipeline intelligence.