After consulting the crystal ball, several analysts claim Globalfoundries will face an uphill struggle to meet its goals, and that its New York fab plans could even be unsuccessful.

Tech consultant Adolfo Gutierrez thinks building the fab itself is not an issue, but says Globalfoundries has to get some major, non-AMD clients on board soon. "The land purchase is meaningless, even the start of the construction is superfluous... unless large clients show up very soon," Gutierrez said, adding that the company will have to snatch some of TSMC's clients to be truly successful.

Jim McGregor, chief technology strategist with In-Stat, says he has no doubt Fab 2 will be built, but he points out that construction of additional facilities will depend on getting more clients.  "GlobalFoundries has an advantage of some very deep pockets right now. The later fabs will depend on the market and the company's ability to land some key customers, but right now they are in a great position." The deep pockets McGregor is referring to are those of Abu Dhabi-based ATIC.

Kyle York, a local hack, is concerned about the cost of the project to Saratoga County and the state of New York. Saratoga County is building a $67 million water line for the facility, while New York state has pledged a $1.2 billion incentive package, including $650 million in cash, to be used for construction, as well as R&D costs.

More here.