MOSES LAKE, WA--(Marketwire - April 14, 2010) - ASPI Group is pleased to announce that SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers LLC, a BMW and SGL joint venture, will be constructing an initial 150,000 sq.ft. state-of-the-art production facility at the ASPI Technology Park in Moses Lake, Washington. The announcement was made April 6, 2010 at a joint press conference at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seattle, Washington. Attendees for the announcement included Dr. Friedrich Eichiner (CFO BMW), Robert Koehler (CEO SGL Group), Theodore Breyer (Deputy CEO SGL Group), Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire, ASPI Group, and other state and local public officials.
Quoting Governor Gregoire, "Come to Washington State! The message is clear today -- that if SGL & BMW in the global competition shows Washington State Moses Lake... All those other international companies should take a closer look at us."
Dr. Friedrich Eichiner, BMW CFO, said the renewable and low-cost hydropower was the major draw as BMW increasingly positions itself as a sustainable automotive company. He also cited a skilled workforce and the ability to quickly secure permits as critical factors in the decision to chose Moses Lake.
Quoting Eichiner, "The City of Moses Lake will become a focal point for technology innovation."
The BMW/SGL joint venture will produce carbon fiber for use in components of BMW vehicles. The facility will eventually employ approx. 200 skilled workers and create an additional 97 indirect jobs in the initial phase. The facility will have particular emphasis on incorporating 'green technologies' in the production process, utilizing the abundant, renewable hydro-electric power available at the site. The U.S EDA also played a key role in providing infrastructure funding for the construction of the Port of Moses Lake's Industrial Wastewater Treatment Facility which processes industrial wastewater into agricultural irrigation water.
Quoting AWB President Don C. Brunell: "We are excited to have these two new manufacturers in the state, particularly companies of this caliber and expertise. It is our hope their presence will serve as the catalyst for other companies to locate here."
ASPI would like to acknowledge the support for this project of statewide significance from the Governor, Washington State Department of Commerce, the City of Moses Lake, the Port of Moses Lake, Grant County Economic Development Council, Grant County PUD, Grant County, and USCIS.
The ASPI Technology Park is a 435-acre industrial park initiated by a 20+-year Public/Private effort of the ASPI Group and the Port of Moses Lake to enhance industrial development and employment opportunities at the Grant County International Airport and Foreign Trade Zone #203. SGL/BMW will join two existing automotive-related manufacturers at the facility including Inflation Systems/Takata (automotive airbag assemblies), and US KDK/Chemicon Materials (high voltage capacitors for electric vehicles) together with a long list of important global manufacturers -- General Dynamics, Genie Industries, The Boeing Company, and Moses Lake Industries.
To accommodate this project and others, the ASPI Technology Park will include additional infrastructure for construction-ready heavy industrial sites, logistics facilities and space for attendant light manufacturers, material suppliers, and sub-assembly providers. At full build out, the ASPI Technology Park will include ove $1 billion dollars of investment and include facilities employing approximately 1400 workers.
ASPI Group, Inc. is a Washington State multi-platform real estate investment and development company with corporate offices in Renton, Washington. ASPI Group's portfolio of projects includes a broad spectrum of real estate opportunities including aerospace, heavy industry, retail/commercial, residential, resort, and agricultural properties. For additional information on ASPI Group projects contact:
Contact Information:
Andy C.F. Chen, President
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