Salem (KMTR) - Oregon's economy just got a shot of sunshine.
Sanyo Solar is now officially open in Salem, along with the promise of 200 new “green” jobs. The $84 million facility is the first piece of what will become the Salem Energy and Technology Park.
The new plant produces core materials for the manufacture of solar cells used in solar panels.
Governor Ted Kulongoski was there for the ribbon cutting Monday.
“This new investment is proof that focusing our efforts on clean technology and renewable energy, even in volatile economic times, is working and is the right strategy for Oregon’s economic future," Kulongoski said.
The State of Oregon is kicking in $40 million in tax incentives over the next five years.
The Sanyo plant in Salem is the sixth solar manufacturer in Oregon.
Discussions are still underway regarding the sale of the former Hynix plant in Eugene to Uni-Chem of South Korea. Uni-Chem wants to convert the former computer chip plant to make solar panels, employing a thousand workers. Uni-Chem officials are expected to be back in Eugene in mid-November.
