Changes in leadership at computer chip company GlobalFoundries are not expected to change the company’s plans for its Fab 8 project in Luther Forest.
The Silicon Valley-based worldwide company announced today that Ajit Manocha has been appointed interim chief executive officer, along with other changes intended to accelerate performance in a highly competitive industry.
Doug Grose, CEO since GlobalFoundries was established in 2009, will become a senior advisor focusing on next-generation technologies. A search has begun for a new permanent CEO.
Company spokesman Travis Bullard said the changes at the top won’t affect Fab 8, which is under construction but will have 1,200 to 1,600 people working by late next year.
“The company’s vision has not changed. We are still committed to our previously announced plans for capacity investment and this includes the successful ramp of Fab 8 here in New York,” Bullard said.
The $4.6 billion plant is currently starting the installation of manufacturing tools in anticipation of opening in 2012, and plans on the table could push total investment to $7 billion and employment to 2,000.
The Fab 8 plant was initially planned by AMD, one of GlobalFoundries’ parent companies, but had been taken over GlobalFoundries by the time construction started in July 2009.
In the corporate leadership change, James A. Norling, former chairman of Chartered Semiconductor, was named executive chairman of the company board, and Ibrahim Ajami was named board vice-chairman. GlobalFoundries acquired Chartered, based in Singapore, in late 2009.
Categories: Business
