PHOENIX (AP) — Intel has announced that it is building a $300 million research-and-development facility in Chandler.

The microchip making company plans to employ several hundred highly skilled workers at the new facility when it opens in 2013.

The Arizona Republic says state and local government officials lauded the announcement at a news conference Tuesday morning in Chandler.

Construction already is under way on the 285,000-square-foot research facility at Intel's Chandler campus.

The construction project will employ nearly 1,000 workers.

Hiring for the research facility will occur over the next 18 months.

Intel officials say about half the positions will be filled by applicants with advanced engineering degrees while the rest will be open to candidates with technical degrees and relevant experience.

Intel produces semiconductor chips used in personal computers and servers.