Big projects perk up Vancouver jobs base

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Silicon wafer maker SEH America said Thursday it plans to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in expanding their Vancouver operations, essentially doubling the size of their production plant.

The expansion could potentially add up to 1,000 jobs for the local economy.
    
Vancouver’s mayor, Royce Pollard, said the planned expansion means hundreds of new, good-paying jobs for the city at a time when every job is critical.

“It shows that there are people besides us who have great confidence in this community to get the job done, and we're going to get the job done,” Pollard said.
    
Pollard said the SEH expansion is one way the city will continue to move forward despite the bleak economic times and the expansion will not only mean jobs at the plant, but also sorely needed local construction jobs.

SEH America will invest millions into expanding their Vancouver operations, essentially doubling the size of the silicon wafer production plant.

“A lot of people like to think, at this difficult economic time, as a reason to give up or fail,” Gary Jenks of SEH America said. “But one of the things that has made our company successful over the years is the fact that we look ahead down the road.”

Mayor Pollard said the expansion by SEH America will take place along with other large projects, including the construction of a new Interstate 5 bridge and a makeover along Vancouver’s Columbia River waterfront.