UPDATE: Micron Technology has announced significant delays in the construction of its semiconductor fabrication plants in Clay, according to the newly released Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). The timeline for building the four fabs has been revised, pushing back construction start dates by several years, which is a major setback for the project aimed at boosting local employment and technological advancement.
While tree clearing is still set to begin this year, the construction schedule for the fabs has been extensively altered. Notably, construction on Fab 1 is now slated to commence in the second quarter of 2028 and may not begin operations until the third quarter of 2030—a delay of two years. Meanwhile, Fab 2’s construction has been postponed to the last quarter of 2030, with operations not expected until the last quarter of 2033, representing a three-year delay from initial projections.
The adjustments continue with Fab 3 now starting in the third quarter of 2035, a two-year shift from the original plan, while Fab 4 has been delayed by one quarter, targeting completion by 2041. The extensive timeline means that the entire construction process will unfold over approximately 16 years, contingent on the necessary permits and approvals.
The impact of these delays extends beyond construction timelines. The FEIS indicates that the postponement of operational workers arriving at the Micron Campus will also affect other developments. Initiation of the childcare site construction has been pushed back from 2026 to 2028, and for health care and recreation centers, from 2030 to 2032. Additionally, the timeline for securing warehouse space will now shift to November 2028, as the start of wafer production will occur later than originally anticipated.
Despite these changes, Micron remains committed to achieving full operational capacity by 2045, with the facility projected to create over 9,000 permanent onsite jobs. The FEIS assures that final construction—including Fab 4—will indeed be completed by 2041, with a full ramp-up of production from all four fabs expected by the end of 2045.
This revised timeline marks a significant shift in Micron’s plans and poses challenges for economic development in the area. Stakeholders are closely watching these updates as they could influence local employment and investment opportunities in the coming years.
As the semiconductor industry grapples with ongoing challenges, including supply chain issues, these delays highlight the complexities of large-scale construction projects and their far-reaching implications for communities and economies alike. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
