Intel plans to complete the closure of its microprocessor Assembly and Test (ATM) plant in Costa Rica by the end of 2026, relocating these operations to larger facilities in Vietnam and Malaysia as part of a global manufacturing restructuring.

Scheduled closure by the end of 2026

According to the company’s 2025 annual report, Intel had already announced in July 2025 its decision to close the Assembly and Test (ATM) plant in Costa Rica, now setting the end of 2026 as the timeline for completing the process.
This measure is part of a global plan to consolidate assembly and testing operations in larger-scale centers located in Asia.
The closure will affect the plant in Belén, Heredia, which had been reactivated in 2021 after an initial investment of approximately $350 million.

Reasons behind the decision

Intel’s report notes that financial results in recent years have limited its investment capacity, forcing the company to delay or cancel construction and expansion projects in the United States, Europe, and Asia.
As part of this adjustment, the corporation decided to consolidate its assembly and testing operations in larger existing facilities in Vietnam and Malaysia.
The company explains that semiconductor manufacturing is a capital-intensive and slow-return business, which requires prioritizing where plants are concentrated.

Impact on Intel Costa Rica

The closure of the Assembly and Test plant does not imply Intel’s complete exit from the country: the company will maintain operations in engineering, corporate services, and other high-value functions.
Media reports estimate that several hundred positions directly linked to manufacturing will be affected, while a significant portion of the staff in design, support, and services roles will be retained.
Intel has stated that Costa Rica will continue to be an “important hub” within its global network, though with a profile more focused on services and less on manufacturing.

Concerns for the investment climate

Analysts and specialized media warn that the decision reignites concerns about Costa Rica’s competitiveness as a destination for major tech manufacturing projects.
The exit of this plant adds to similar moves by other multinational companies in the sector, generating debate about costs, regulations, and conditions for attracting and retaining investment in high-value chains.
However, the country’s strengths in human talent, corporate services, and advanced engineering operations are still highlighted.

Official sources

Intel 2025 Annual Report, detailing the schedule for closing the Assembly and Test plant in Costa Rica and consolidating those operations in Vietnam and Malaysia.
Communications and confirmations from Intel to national media regarding the closure of the ATM plant in Belén and the maintenance of other operations in the country.