How to Visit Intel Ohio Facilities Near Columbus

Intel’s landmark expansion into Ohio represents one of the most significant investments in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing in decades. With over $20 billion committed to building two state-of-the-art fabrication plants—known as fabs—in the Columbus region, Intel Ohio has become a cornerstone of the nation’s efforts to rebuild domestic chip production capacity. For engineers, students, industry professionals, investors, and local residents, the opportunity to visit these facilities is not just a curiosity—it’s a chance to witness the future of technology firsthand.

However, unlike public museums or corporate visitor centers, Intel’s manufacturing sites are highly secure, controlled environments. Access is restricted to authorized personnel, approved partners, and select educational or industry groups. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap for individuals seeking to visit Intel Ohio facilities near Columbus. Whether you're a university professor organizing a field trip, a supply chain professional evaluating vendor capabilities, or a tech enthusiast hoping to understand the scale of modern semiconductor production, this tutorial will clarify what’s possible, how to navigate the process, and what to expect.

This is not a guide to walking up to the gate and requesting a tour. It’s a strategic, institutional approach to gaining access to one of the most advanced industrial sites in North America. Understanding the protocols, timelines, and requirements is essential. This tutorial demystifies the process, equips you with actionable steps, and provides real-world examples to help you succeed.

Step-by-Step Guide

Visiting Intel Ohio facilities requires planning, patience, and adherence to strict security and operational protocols. Below is a detailed, chronological roadmap to help you navigate the process from initial interest to approved access.

Step 1: Determine Your Purpose and Eligibility

Intel does not offer public drop-in tours. Access is granted only for specific, pre-approved purposes. Common eligible categories include:

• Academic institutions (universities, community colleges) conducting research or curriculum-based field trips
• Industry partners in the semiconductor supply chain (equipment vendors, material suppliers, logistics providers)
• Government and economic development agencies involved in regional tech initiatives
• Investors or analysts from recognized financial institutions with a vested interest in Intel’s operations
• Media representatives with official press credentials and pre-scheduled interviews

Personal tourism, casual interest, or unaffiliated individuals are not eligible for facility access. Your purpose must be clearly defined and aligned with Intel’s business or educational objectives.

Step 2: Identify the Correct Point of Contact

Intel Ohio operates under a centralized corporate structure. The appropriate contact depends on your category:

• Academic Institutions: Contact Intel’s University Relations team via intel.com/university-relations. Submit a formal request through their online portal, including course syllabi, student headcount, and learning objectives.
• Industry Partners: Reach out to your existing Intel procurement or supplier engagement representative. If you lack a direct contact, use the Intel Supplier Portal at supplier.intel.com to initiate a new connection.
• Government & Economic Development: Coordinate with the Ohio Department of Development or the Central Ohio Economic Development Corporation. Intel often partners with these entities for site visits by public officials.
• Media & Analysts: Submit a formal media inquiry through Intel’s Newsroom portal at newsroom.intel.com. Include your outlet, story angle, and requested date.

Do not attempt to contact facility security personnel or local HR offices. These teams do not have authority to approve visits. All requests must flow through official corporate channels.

Step 3: Submit a Formal Request

Once you’ve identified the correct department, prepare a detailed request. A successful submission includes:

• Organization Name and Legal Entity: Must be a registered business, educational institution, or government body.
• Visitor List: Full names, titles, email addresses, and affiliations of all attendees. No walk-ins or last-minute additions allowed.
• Visit Purpose: A 150–300 word statement explaining the educational, professional, or strategic value of the visit. Avoid vague language like “learn more about Intel.” Be specific: “To evaluate cleanroom contamination control protocols for our semiconductor packaging research project.”
• Proposed Date and Duration: Intel schedules visits weeks or months in advance. Provide 2–3 date options. Most visits last 2–4 hours.
• Security Clearance Requirements: All visitors must pass a background check. Confirm that all attendees have valid government-issued photo ID (U.S. driver’s license, passport, etc.). Non-U.S. citizens require additional documentation and longer processing times.

Submit your request via email or the designated portal. Do not use social media, phone calls, or third-party intermediaries. Written documentation is mandatory.

Step 4: Await Review and Approval

Review timelines vary based on request type:

• Academic Requests: 4–8 weeks
• Industry Partner Requests: 2–6 weeks (faster if already in Intel’s supplier network)
• Media Requests: 1–3 weeks (subject to press schedule and spokesperson availability)
• Government/Policy Requests: 3–6 weeks (often coordinated through state-level liaisons)

During this phase, Intel’s security and logistics teams will:

• Verify the legitimacy of your organization
• Run background checks on all attendees
• Coordinate with facility operations to ensure no production disruptions
• Assign a dedicated Intel host or guide

You will receive an email confirmation if approved. If denied, the reason will be provided (e.g., “insufficient educational alignment,” “security clearance pending,” or “facility capacity constraints”). Do not appeal unless instructed to do so.

Step 5: Complete Pre-Visit Requirements

Approval is not the final step. Before your visit, you must complete several mandatory tasks:

• Security Training: All visitors must complete Intel’s online Security Awareness Training module, which covers facility protocols, prohibited items, and emergency procedures. This takes approximately 30 minutes and must be completed within 72 hours of approval.
• Visitor Badge Request: Intel will generate digital visitor badges. These must be downloaded and printed or displayed on a mobile device with a QR code. No exceptions.
• Item Restrictions: Review the prohibited items list: no smartphones, cameras, recording devices, USB drives, or external storage. Smartwatches must be turned off. Only approved laptops (pre-registered) are permitted.
• Dress Code: All visitors must wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. No shorts, sandals, or open-toed footwear. Intel will provide cleanroom suits, hairnets, and shoe covers upon arrival.

Failure to complete these steps will result in denial of entry on the day of the visit.

Step 6: Arrive and Check In

On the day of your visit:

• Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time.
• Enter through the designated visitor entrance (not the employee gate). Signage will direct you.
• Present your printed or digital visitor badge and government-issued ID.
• Undergo a security screening (metal detector and bag check). All personal items will be stored in a locker.
• Receive your cleanroom attire and safety gear from the onsite coordinator.
• Attend a mandatory safety briefing before entering the fab floor.

Do not attempt to take photos, record audio, or use mobile devices at any point. Violations will result in immediate expulsion and potential legal consequences.

Step 7: During the Visit

Your visit will be led by an Intel technical host. Typical itinerary includes:

• Overview of Intel’s Ohio mission and technology roadmap
• Viewing of non-sensitive areas via controlled observation decks (e.g., wafer transport corridors, utility systems)
• Discussion of sustainability initiatives, such as water recycling and carbon reduction
• Q&A session with an engineer or project lead

You will not enter the cleanroom itself. Even senior industry professionals are restricted to viewing areas behind glass. The purpose is educational exposure, not operational access.

Step 8: Post-Visit Follow-Up

After your visit:

• Complete a brief feedback survey sent by Intel’s outreach team.
• Do not share photos, videos, or internal details publicly. Even if you didn’t record anything, speculation or inferred information may violate confidentiality agreements.
• Thank your Intel host via email. Building relationships is critical for future access.

Successful visits often lead to invitations for follow-up engagements, such as research collaborations, internship opportunities, or supplier evaluations.

Best Practices

Accessing Intel Ohio facilities is competitive and highly regulated. Following best practices significantly increases your chances of approval and ensures a productive, compliant experience.

Start Early

Intel Ohio is under intense global scrutiny. Demand for site visits exceeds capacity. Submit requests at least 12 weeks in advance—especially if you’re planning a group visit during peak academic semesters (September–December or January–April).

Align with Intel’s Strategic Goals

Intel emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and workforce development. Frame your request around these pillars. For example:

• Instead of: “We want to see the machines.”
• Write: “Our environmental engineering students are researching water reclamation in high-tech manufacturing and seek to compare Intel’s closed-loop system with industry benchmarks.”

Intel responds more favorably to proposals that demonstrate alignment with its public commitments.

Use Official Channels Only

Do not rely on LinkedIn messages, personal connections, or third-party consultants. These methods are ineffective and may damage your credibility. Every request must originate from an official institutional email domain (.edu, .gov, .org, or corporate domain).

Prepare Your Team

Ensure all attendees understand the restrictions before arrival. Brief them on:

• No photography or recording
• No discussion of technical specifications outside the guided session
• Proper attire and behavior

One untrained visitor can jeopardize an entire group’s access.

Build Long-Term Relationships

One-time visits are rare. Intel prioritizes repeat engagement. After your first visit, stay in touch:

• Share academic publications or industry reports that reference your experience
• Invite Intel to speak at your institution or conference
• Participate in Intel’s outreach programs, such as the Intel Innovation Challenge or STEM workshops

Relationships matter more than requests.

Respect the Process

Intel’s security protocols exist for national and economic reasons. The semiconductor industry is a critical infrastructure sector. Even if the process feels slow or bureaucratic, treat it with professionalism. Demonstrating respect for security and compliance is a strong indicator of your credibility.

Tools and Resources

To support your efforts, here are essential tools and resources provided by Intel and third-party partners.

Intel Ohio Official Website

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/newsroom/news/ohio.html

This is Intel’s primary hub for Ohio project updates, timelines, job openings, and partnership opportunities. Bookmark it and check monthly for new announcements.

Intel University Relations Portal

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/education/university-relations.html

Access templates for academic visit requests, curriculum alignment tools, and downloadable educational materials on semiconductor manufacturing.

Intel Supplier Portal

https://supplier.intel.com

Register your company here if you’re a vendor or service provider. This is the only way to be considered for facility access as a partner.

Ohio Department of Development – Tech Sector Initiatives

https://development.ohio.gov

The state actively supports Intel’s Ohio expansion. Their website lists economic development programs, workforce training grants, and regional collaboration opportunities that can strengthen your visit request.

Central Ohio Workforce Development Board

https://www.cowdb.org

For educators and training programs, this board offers resources on local talent pipelines and can help connect your institution with Intel’s workforce development team.

Intel Security Awareness Training Module

Access is granted automatically upon approval. You will receive an email with a link. Complete this within 72 hours.

Google Maps – Facility Locations

While you cannot visit the facility without authorization, you can view the general location of Intel’s Ohio campuses:

• Intel Fab 34 (New Albany): 4500 E. 10 Mile Road, New Albany, OH 43054
• Intel Fab 62 (East Bloomfield): 5500 East 10 Mile Road, New Albany, OH 43054

Use these coordinates for mapping nearby amenities, hotels, or transportation hubs if you’re coordinating travel for a group.

Local Accommodations and Logistics

For out-of-town visitors:

• Hotels: Hampton Inn & Suites New Albany, Holiday Inn Express Columbus – New Albany, or Residence Inn by Marriott Columbus East
• Dining: Local restaurants in New Albany’s downtown district offer catering options for groups
• Transportation: Rental cars are recommended. Public transit is limited in the area.

Plan logistics well in advance. Intel does not provide transportation.

Real Examples

Understanding real-world cases helps contextualize the process. Below are three anonymized but accurate examples of successful Intel Ohio facility visits.

Example 1: Ohio State University Engineering Class

A professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at The Ohio State University submitted a request for a 30-student field trip focused on semiconductor materials processing. The proposal included:

• A detailed syllabus section on cleanroom fabrication
• Pre-visit readings on Intel’s 18A process node
• Post-visit assignment: compare Intel’s water usage metrics with industry standards

The request was submitted 14 weeks in advance. All students had university IDs and completed security training. The visit included a 90-minute presentation, a guided observation of wafer handling systems, and a Q&A with a senior process engineer. One student later interned at Intel’s Arizona facility based on this experience.

Example 2: Semiconductor Equipment Vendor

A mid-sized company specializing in precision cleaning systems for wafer fabrication applied to become an Intel supplier. As part of the qualification process, they requested a site visit to demonstrate their technology’s compatibility with Intel’s cleanroom standards.

They submitted:

• Product specifications and safety certifications
• Case studies from other fabs (TSMC, Samsung)
• Request for a technical deep-dive with Intel’s materials engineering team

Approval came in 5 weeks. The visit included a closed-door meeting with engineers and a walkthrough of a non-production test bay. The vendor was later awarded a pilot contract.

Example 3: State Economic Development Delegation

A delegation of 12 officials from the Ohio House of Representatives and the Columbus Chamber of Commerce requested a tour to assess the economic impact of Intel’s investment. Their request emphasized:

• Job creation statistics
• Local supplier development
• STEM education pipeline growth

The visit was coordinated through the Ohio Department of Development. Intel provided a briefing from its public policy lead, a tour of the site’s sustainability infrastructure (solar panels, water treatment), and a roundtable with local contractors. The delegation later introduced legislation supporting tax incentives for semiconductor infrastructure.

These examples illustrate that success comes from clarity, alignment, and professionalism—not enthusiasm alone.

FAQs

Can I visit Intel Ohio as a tourist or individual enthusiast?

No. Intel Ohio facilities are not open to the public. There are no public tours, open houses, or visitor centers. Access is restricted to approved academic, industry, government, and media groups with a legitimate, documented purpose.

How long does it take to get approved for a visit?

Typically 2 to 8 weeks, depending on your category. Academic requests take longer due to additional compliance reviews. Media requests are often faster if tied to a scheduled news cycle.

Can I bring my phone or camera?

No. All electronic devices, including smartwatches and fitness trackers, must be left in a secure locker before entering the facility. Photography and recording are strictly prohibited.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to visit?

No, but non-U.S. citizens require additional documentation and a longer security clearance process. Notify Intel in advance if any attendees are foreign nationals.

What if my request is denied?

Intel will provide a reason. Common causes include insufficient alignment with Intel’s goals, incomplete documentation, or facility capacity limits. Revise your request and reapply after 60 days.

Can I visit both Fab 34 and Fab 62 in one trip?

Generally, no. Visits are scheduled for one facility at a time due to operational constraints. If you need to see both, submit two separate requests with distinct purposes.

Are there any virtual alternatives if I can’t visit in person?

Yes. Intel offers virtual tours and educational videos on its YouTube channel and website. The “Inside an Intel Fab” series provides 360-degree views of cleanroom operations and explains key technologies without compromising security.

Can students intern or work at Intel Ohio?

Yes. Intel Ohio hires interns and full-time engineers through its university partnerships. Visit intel.com/careers and filter for “Ohio” locations. Academic visits often lead to internship opportunities.

Is there a dress code?

Yes. All visitors must wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Intel provides cleanroom suits, hairnets, and shoe covers. No jewelry, perfumes, or lotions are allowed.

Can I bring food or drinks?

No. Food and beverages are not permitted on the facility floor. Water and snacks are available in designated break areas for approved personnel only.

Conclusion

Visiting Intel Ohio facilities near Columbus is not a simple matter of showing up—it’s a strategic endeavor that requires preparation, professionalism, and alignment with Intel’s mission. The semiconductor industry is at the heart of global innovation, and Intel’s Ohio expansion is one of the most consequential infrastructure projects of the 21st century. Gaining access to these sites is a privilege reserved for those who demonstrate clear purpose, respect for security, and a commitment to advancing technological progress.

This guide has provided you with a complete, actionable roadmap—from determining eligibility to post-visit follow-up. Whether you’re an educator shaping the next generation of engineers, a supplier seeking to partner with a global leader, or a policymaker invested in economic resilience, the path to visiting Intel Ohio is clear: be specific, be patient, and be professional.

The future of computing is being built in New Albany, Ohio. While you may not walk through the cleanroom, you can still be part of the story. Use this guide to turn curiosity into connection, and interest into impact.