Former Intel CEO Criticizes Current Leadership’s Factory Investment Strategy

Craig Barrett’s criticisms target the current Intel CEO, Lip Bu Tan, regarding his plans for chip factory investments. Barrett flatly describes the strategies as a joke, insisting that major firms like Nvidia, Apple, and Google should step up and inject cash to bolster Intel’s manufacturing capabilities.

Barrett, who held the reins at Intel from 1998 to 2005, openly expresses his discontent with the direction the company is heading under Tan. He argues that committing to investments in new technology requires getting ahead of customer interests rather than waiting passively for customer commitments.

In his remarks, Barrett noted:

“The current Intel CEO’s comments about not investing in new technology (14A) until customers sign up are laughable.”

Barrett pushes for these tech giants to recognize their stake in ensuring competitive domestic production capabilities in the U.S., something he deems crucial for overall market health. He emphasized,

“U.S. customers need to understand they require multiple production sources for their main products to secure pricing and supply stability.”

As the conversation unfolds, Barrett fears that Intel could trail behind as global competition ramps up, particularly if it fails to secure sufficient investments from key partners.