Intel to invest more in Philippines

Intel to invest more in Philippines

MANILA: Intel Corporation, the world's top semiconducter maker, said Tuesday it plans to invest 4-5 billion pesos (US$78-98 million ) this year to expand its test and assembly plant in the Philippines.

Intel Philippines general manager Robin Martin announced the plan during a meeting with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who hailed the company's bid to make its plant in Cavite province its largest and most advanced assembly.

"With all their different plants in the world, they have decided to make the Philippines their largest plant because they are totally satisfied and impressed with the productivity of the great Filipino worker," Arroyo told reporters after the meeting.

The additional funding will bring Intel's total investments in the country to 67.6 billion pesos.

Intel employs about 4,500 workers at its test and assembly plant in Cavite, just south of Manila, and between 1,500 to 2,000 in Makati. -- DPA