CATANIA, Italy — STMicroelectronics has begun building a state-of-the-art semiconductor plant that officials say will employ more than 5,500 people when completed.

The fab, known as M6, is scheduled to open within two years and will boast more than 107,000 square feet of cleanroom space. STMicroelectronics has committed $1.5 billion for the new facility over the next several years. The site will be entirely devoted to leading edge semiconductor technologies, with focus on Flash and other non-volatile memory technologies.

“Every investment we have made in Catania has confirmed that this is one of the world’s most attractive locations for high technology industries,” said Pasquale Pistorio, president and CEO of STMicroelectronics. “The synergy with existing facilities in Catania, the excellence of the local industrial and educational infrastructure and the rich pool of engineering talent will ensure M6 contributes strongly to ST’s growth as one of the world’s most important semiconductor companies.”

Initial production at the plant will use 200 mm wafers, but the plant is designed to be easily upgraded to 300 mm. In addition to cleanroom space, the facility will include almost 700,000 square feet of service and support facilities.