RALEIGH – One of the big semiconductor manufacturers that might be considering North Carolina for the site of a multi-billion chip factory and thousands of jobs has set several priorities in determining where a so-called “fab” would be built.

While not commenting on whether a site south of the Triangle is being considered, Eric Rodriguez Pompen of Micron explained the company’s check list to WRAL TechWire.

“Micron is vetting opportunities globally with emphasis on countries where we have current sites for our investment of over $150 [billion] in manufacturing and R&D,” she explained.

“Locations are being vetted across a number of factors including site availability suitable for a fab, access to a strong talent pool, reliable and cost-competitive utility services, alignment with our corporate sustainability objectives, and a favorable regulatory environment.”

WRAL TechWire has been told that at least two chip manufactuers are reviewing Triangle Innovation Point, which covers some 1,200 acres and has been pitched as a possible “megasite” location for a manufacturing operation such as for automobiles.

Semiconductor firms reportedly consider Triangle for massive manufacturing plant

As to where Micron is looking, Pompen, who is senior director and global head of corporate communications, said the company has cast a wide net.

“In the U.S., we’re engaging in discussions with multiple states and will provide updates as the process continues and at the appropriate time,” she noted. “There are multiple factors that inform our decision to invest billions of dollars to construct and operate a fab. We will share specific locations as we close on unique investment targets.”