Company looks to Grant County

by David A. Cole<br>Herald Staff Writer
| September 27, 2005 9:00 PM

EPHRATA — The North American energy manager from Guardian Industries told the Grant County Public Utility District commissioners on Monday that the company is considering Grant County as a future location for a fiberglass manufacturing plant.

Ray Siada, an energy manager with the Auburn Hills,

Mich.-based company said that Grant County was an attractive location because of energy rates and that whether they decided to locate there would largely depend on the stability of those rates.

"This project will bring 125 jobs to the county," Siada said. "Good quality manufacturing jobs."

Guardian manufactures float and fabricated glass, building and insulation products, and exterior glass and trim components for automobiles.

Rep. Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum, urged the board of commissioners to be thoughtful of the impact of their votes on the proposed industrial rates.

Hinkle said that the decision the commissioners are scheduled to make on Oct. 3 will impact not only Grant County's business climate, but will have a statewide affect.