July 12, 2007

SiC Processing announces ribbon-cutting for first US facility on Friday, July 13

Swan Island location brings $8 million investment and 21 new jobs to N Portland

SiC Processing, headquartered in Hirschau, Germany, will celebrate the opening of its first United States facility, located at 6949 N. Cutter Circle on Swan Island in Portland, Oregon, on Friday, July 13, 2007, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Welcoming remarks and ribbon-cutting by CEO Thomas Heckmann and President Damon Doelger will take place at 9:30 a.m.; the day-long program also includes lunch for invited guests and plant tours from 3:00-4:00 p.m.

“We’re looking forward to developing our business here in Portland, and are already thinking ahead to future U.S. expansion,” said company president Damon Doelger. 

The company is a recycler and processor of waste silicon carbide abrasive powder and poly ethylene glycol that is used in the manufacturing of silicon wafers.  The new Portland facility will enable U.S. customers, including Siltronic Corporation, MEMC, and Sumco, to save significant costs for transportation and excess inventory build-up of waste products previously shipped overseas for recovery.

SiC Processing has invested more than $8 million in new construction, machinery and equipment for the Portland facility, and opens with an initial staffing of 21 people. 

SiC Processing teamed with Integrated Facility Services, LLC and the Portland Development Commission to assist with site selection and implementation, later adding Harder Mechanical Contractors, Oregon Electric Group, and Jaeger and Erwert to the construction team. The company has enrolled in the Enterprise Zone, an incentive program administered by PDC which requires local investment, job creation and increased opportunities for North/Northeast Portland residents and businesses in exchange for property tax abatement.   

“The Portland Development Commission is very pleased to welcome SiC Processing to the city, as a new partner in our commitment to sustainable business practices, job creation and industry development,” said Mark Rosenbaum, PDC Board Chair. “They bring new, well-paying jobs that reinforce a healthy job and business climate for our region.  The entire community benefits from this kind of private investment.”

With the heightened interest in solar cell production in the U.S. and in the Portland metro area, SiC Processing is already beginning the preliminary planning for the company’s next U.S. facility.

Founded in 1999, SiC Processing is the world leader in the processing of used wire saw slurry, and has established facilities in Germany, Italy, China, and Norway.  

# # #

for PDC's News & Information E-Mail Lists
Archive of sent E-Mails
Unsubscribe from our E-Mail Lists