Governor Allen Marks Milestone in White Oak Semiconductor Construction

First Tool Installation Brings Facility Closer to Production

Henrico County - Governor George Allen joined officials of White Oak Semiconductor today to mark a significant milestone toward the completion of the $1.5 billion semiconductor manufacturing plant in Henrico County. Officials gathered to commend employees and celebrate the rapid advancement from green-field site to the first semiconductor tool installation for the new facility.

"The White Oak Semiconductor, Motorola and Siemens joint venture further enhances Virginia's worldwide reputation as the Silicon Dominion, and magnifies the exciting changes that are transforming this entire region's economy, making Virginia a leader in the technology revolution," said Governor Allen. "This new facility stands as a powerful symbol of the teamwork that is leading to a more productive and prosperous future for Virginians."

White Oak Semicondutor's aggressive construction timetable is regarded as a new industry benchmark, being one of the largest fully-integrated facilities ever constructed in an 11 month time period. In addition, the company's decision to locate in Virginia was ranked as the Number One economic development deal of the "Top 10 Deals of 1996" in Site Selection magazine, a nationally respected economic development trade publication.

"Going from green field site to first tool in 11 months is just the beginning." said Wayne K. Nesbit, president of White Oak. "But we wouldn't be here today installing our equipment in record time without the support of the Commonwealth of Virginia; Henrico County for creating roads, water and sewer lines; the City of Richmond for supplying natural gas; and Virginia Power for constructing and completing a 230kv substation, on site, ahead of schedule."

Nesbit then cited the efforts of the Commonwealth of Virginia, thanking Governor Allen, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Robert T. Skunda and Wayne L. Sterling, executive director of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, for leading White Oak Semiconductor to Virginia. Nesbit emphasized that Virginia will continue to play a key role in White Oak's success. Our being in Virginia is a key competitive advantage," he said.

White Oak Semiconductor is a joint venture between Siemens Semiconductor Group and Motorola's Semiconductor Products Sector. The facility, located on 210 acres in the White Oak Technology Park near the Richmond International Airport, is designed for fully integrated wafer manufacturing, assembly and final test, and will serve as the company's worldwide headquarters.

White Oak Semiconductor will become Virginia's second major semiconductor fabrication facility to start production in the Spring of 1998. Manassas-based Dominion Semiconductor, a joint venture between IBM and Toshiba Corp., began DRAM production in September. In addition, Motorola has announced plans to locate a $3 billion semiconductor manufacturing facility in Goochland County.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Greater Richmond Partnership, Henrico County, and the City of Richmond assisted White Oak with its decision in 1996. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance is providing workforce training services.

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