Construction giant from the nation enlisted for initiating semiconductor manufacturing venture in Clay by Micron
Micron's Chipmaking Complex in Clay, NY, Nears Construction
The long-anticipated Micron Technology chipmaking complex in the town of Clay, located near Syracuse, NY, is moving closer to reality. The project, announced three years ago, has entered the 'doing' phase with the hiring of Gilbane Co. for the site preparation.
Gilbane Co., known for constructing the Lake Placid ice rinks and the amphitheater on Onondaga Lake, will start preparing the site of Micron Technology's chipmaking complex in November. The exact nature of the work to be done by Gilbane Co. on the Micron project has not been specified.
The facility, situated at the 1,400-acre White Pine Commerce Park at 5171 Route 31 in Clay, Onondaga County, includes four semiconductor fabrication buildings ("fabs"), support facilities, stormwater management, parking, a childcare facility, and a rail spur.
The four fabs will be built one after another from west to east, resulting in ongoing construction over the entire period from 2025 until 2041. Early construction will involve large volumes of material delivery, primarily dump trucks transporting fill to the site, consistent with large-scale land development.
The project underwent State Environmental Quality Review (SEQRA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) scrutiny. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was released for public comment in June 2025, followed by public hearings in July 2025. The final Environmental Impact Statement is expected to be approved in October 2025, paving the way for a groundbreaking in November 2025.
Micron plans to spend approximately $100 billion on this mega complex, signifying one of the largest semiconductor investments in the U.S. This project is a major component of the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem expansion noted in 2025 and aligns with the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) Act efforts.
The Micron project is seen as a 'once-in-a-generation chance' for steady work in the trades. A major bank CEO predicts that the Syracuse area will grow 'as fast as any place in the country' due to the Micron project. However, the company is urged to increase its commitment to robust community engagement.
Construction activity is expected to continue uninterrupted for 16 years, with a phased fab-building approach and extensive infrastructure to support semiconductor manufacturing and community needs. The chipmaking complex in Clay is set to be a significant contributor to the U.S. semiconductor industry and the local economy.
References: 1. Micron Technology announces major chipmaking complex in Clay, NY 2. Micron's Clay chipmaking complex: What we know so far 3. Micron's Clay chipmaking complex: What's next in the permitting process? 4. CHIPS Act: What it means for Micron's Clay chipmaking complex
The upcoming Micron Technology chipmaking complex in Clay, NY, is a significant investment in the U.S. semiconductor industry, with an estimated expenditure of $100 billion. This project, aligned with the CHIPS Act efforts, is expected to contribute substantially to the local business and technology sector, potentially fostering growth in the finance and employment sectors as well.
