Intel Creates Separate Unit for Memory Chips

Intel Corp. separated the production of memory chips from that of other processors, signaling that it may be preparing to jettison its memory unit.

Three chip plants and two test and assembly facilities have been split from the company’s manufacturing group and assigned to their own group, Intel employees were told last week.

The changes may be a precursor to a spinoff or sale of the money-losing business, said Doug Freedman, an analyst at American Technology Research.