CLAY, N.Y. — Semiconductor giant Micron Technology has taken a major step forward on its historic $100 billion investment in Upstate New York by hiring one of the nation’s top construction firms to begin preparing the site of its chipmaking megafab in the town of Clay, near Syracuse.

The company has selected the same multinational contractor that previously built the Lake Placid Olympic ice rinks and Onondaga Lake’s amphitheater, underscoring the scale and prestige of the project.

This marks the first official construction-related move on the site, initiating groundwork ahead of the expected years-long buildout of the largest semiconductor manufacturing facility in U.S. history.

While Micron has not publicly disclosed the name of the construction firm in recent releases, project insiders confirmed that a nationally renowned firm with extensive experience in large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects has been awarded the initial site preparation contract.

This move follows Micron's 2022 announcement that it would build four fabs over the next 20 years in Clay, with construction expected to span more than a decade and create over 9,000 direct Micron jobs and tens of thousands more indirectly.

Community and Economic Impact

Micron’s arrival has already started reshaping regional economic and workforce strategies. Local leaders and labor unions have launched new training programs to align with the anticipated demand for skilled construction workers and technicians.

“Micron’s presence is a game-changer for Central New York. It’s not just a factory—it’s the cornerstone of an entire ecosystem of innovation, jobs, and long-term growth,” said Ryan McMahon, Onondaga County Executive.

Site Prep and What’s Next

The hired construction company will begin by clearing and leveling the massive site, installing utility infrastructure, and preparing for vertical construction in the next phases. Full construction on the first chip fabrication facility is expected to begin in 2026, pending final environmental and permitting approvals.

Micron previously stated that it is committed to sustainable and community-focused development, promising to prioritize local hiring, environmental stewardship, and partnerships with area schools and workforce agencies.

Broader Semiconductor Strategy

Micron’s Clay investment is part of a broader national push to revitalize domestic semiconductor manufacturing and reduce reliance on overseas production, particularly in Taiwan and East Asia. The project is supported by federal incentives through the CHIPS and Science Act, signed into law in 2022.

With geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions still looming, projects like Micron’s Clay campus are being seen as critical infrastructure for U.S. competitiveness and national security.

Originally reported by Syracuse.