BERLIN–Volkswagen has started building its ID.3 electric vehicle, but is bracing for a major production disruption from a shortage of semiconductors.

SANTA CLARA, CA—Andy Grove, the brilliant Hungarian-born former chief executive and chairman of chip-making colossus Intel, and one of Silicon Valley's most revered business leaders, died Monday at the age of 79.

ARMONK, NY—IBM has dealt its chip manufacturing division to Globalfoundaries Inc. In an unusual move, IBM will pay Globalfoundaries $1.5 billion over the next three years to take over the division. As part of the deal, Globalfoundaries will also own and operate IBM's manufacturing facilities in East Fishkill, NY, and Burlington, VT.

Semiconductor processing equipment is a notoriously demanding application for motion control engineers. Extreme precision, reliability and smoothness are absolute requirements. At the same time, space is at a premium.

Last month, my nephew began his first year in college. He hopes someday to get a job in the automotive industry, and I wish him the best of luck.

MALTA, NY—Global Foundries is planning to build a second manufacturing computer chip manufacturing complex here.

ALBUQUERQUE, NM—Intel Corp. hired 74 new employees last year, but only 19 of them were New Mexico residents at the time they were hired. The chipmaker says finding qualified candidates with advanced engineering degrees is becoming increasingly difficult, not just in New Mexico, but all over the country.