MALTA — Hector Ruiz, Advanced Micro Devices board chairman, will make his first visit to the Luther Forest Technology Campus next Wednesday, company officials confirmed.

Ruiz, who retired as president of the computer chip maker in July but remains board chairman, will be touring construction progress at the campus and thanking local officials for their work reviewing plans for the $3.5 billion factory.

However, the big potential announcement -- that AMD has made a final commitment to build the factory -- is not expected during this visit.

"No AMD news or announcements, but it will be a great opportunity for us to continue our dialogue with local leaders and the community," said AMD spokesman Travis Bullard.

The one-day visit will include a breakfast with University at Albany leaders in Albany, a tour of Luther Forest infrastructure construction, a visit to Saratoga Race Course with former state Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno and a reception in Saratoga Springs for local elected officials.

Ruiz and then-governor George Pataki made the initial announcement about plans for the plant in 2006, but Bullard confirmed this will be Ruiz' first visit to the site. He also made a brief visit to Albany earlier this summer to meet Gov. David Paterson.

The Malta Town Board is expected Monday to approve zoning changes AMD has been seeking, following a six-month review.

AMD has until July to break ground on the plant and qualify for about $1.2 billion in state incentives.

"I think this is a good sign. It's one more step toward the end zone," said town Supervisor Paul J. Sausville.