ASPI Group, Inc. Welcomes SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers LLC and BMW Group to the ASPI Technology Park in Moses Lake, Washington

SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwire - Sep 22, 2011) - Today marks the grand opening ceremony of the SGL Automotive Carbon Fiber plant at the ASPI Technology Park in Moses Lake, Washington. This state of the art facility operating under a joint venture between SGL Carbon and the BMW Group will produce carbon fiber to be used in the body panels of BMW automobiles -- specifically beginning with the new all-electric BMW MegaCity.

This new facility, representing an initial capital investment of over $100 million, will create hundreds of high-tech, family wage jobs. The facility will import raw material from Japan and export finished goods to Germany where they will be molded and assembled into BMW automobiles.

The official opening of the plant represents the culmination of a highly successful public/private partnership that prevailed upon SGL/BMW that the State of Washington, Grant County, and the ASPI Technology Park was the best location possible for the new facility. This effort included the Governor's office, the Washington State Department of Commerce, the City of Moses Lake, the Grant County Public Utility District, Grant County, the Grant County Economic Development Counsel, and Washington Economic Development Capital LLC. Governor Christine Gregoire was particularly adamant that this important project would not be lost to any other domestic -- or foreign jurisdiction.

To mark the grand opening of this impressive new facility and emerging technology, the ASPI Technology Park has provided a $35,000 grant commitment to the Washington State Department of Commerce to be used for the recruitment of carbon/composite-related manufacturers, material suppliers, and logistics companies to enhance Washington State's position as the leading carbon composite manufacturing center in the world.

In addition to the financial support to the Washington State Department of Commerce, the ASPI Group has announced the commencement of ASPI Commerce Park 4 -- a 100,000 square foot manufacturing and distribution facility that will provide additional support for the global supply chain management of these premier companies like SGL and BMW. "These facilities provide attendant space for suppliers, sub-assembly providers and logistics companies supporting our current manufacturing firms like Boeing, SGL/BMW, and Genie Industries," said Patrick Jones, Executive Director of the Port of Moses Lake.

Ground breaking will commence immediately following the completion of ASPI Commerce Park 3 currently under construction. By constructing advanced facilities attendant to the global manufacturers, Washington State will be able to attract major suppliers and subcontractors through co-location opportunities. The outstanding transportation connectivity to the facility and Foreign Trade Zone #203, the only operating foreign trade zone in eastern Washington, gives the companies participating in this global manufacturing process a distinct cost and logistical advantage. The ASPI Commerce Park 4 brings the total of ASPI industrial/commercial facilities completed or under construction in Grant County to more than 350,000 square feet.

"The availability of this ready to occupy space greatly enhances our ability to represent to these global manufacturers and employers that we can meet their unusually aggressive timelines," remarked Terry Brewer, Executive Director, Grant County Economic Development Council.