SGL/BMW breaks ground in Moses Lake
One of the special shovels used for Wednesday's groundbreaking ceremony at SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers in Moses Lake.
BMW’s Megacity Vehicle begins in Moses Lake with a new carbon fiber plant.
MOSES LAKE — BMW’s Megacity Vehicle begins in Moses Lake with a new carbon fiber plant, a company official said Wednesday.
“What you’re seeing today, are new and innovative ideas, to make carbon fiber for a car that’s never existed,” said Kenn Sparks, a media relations manager for BMW Group. “I think you would be proud to say that, in a lot of ways, it really does begin here.”
The groundbreaking for BMW/SGL Group’s carbon fiber plant was celebrated Wednesday with more than 90 dignitaries attending.
Gov. Chris Gregoire, former Gov. Mike Lowry, Moses Lake Mayor Jon Lane, Sen. Janéa Holmquist, Rep. Bill Hinkle and Rep. Judy Warnick also turned out for the event.
The plant’s commissioning is set for the third quarter of 2011. It’s expected to take between two and three months to start operations in Moses Lake, in order to supply a Wackersdorf, Germany, facility.
Hiring for about 80 permanent employees begins in 2011 and should increase to 200 full-time positions.
The contractor for the project is a Washington state company, which will be announced later this week.
Training for operations begins soon after. They are sent to an SGL facility in Evanston, Wyo., to serve on Moses Lake’s carbon fiber line.
Andreas Wuellner, SGL managing director, called the technology a “paradigm shift” in the automotive industry and a key to improving functionality.
It seems inevitable cars will have to be lighter, but one wants to retain features like seat belts.
He thanked the people involved with the project, mentioning Lane, Terry Brewer, executive director of the Grant County Economic Development Council (EDC) and Gregoire’s office.
“We look forward to being an active member of this community,” Wuellner said.
Jorg Pohlman, another SGL managing director, stated the decision to pick Moses Lake was based “primarily on the availability of renewable clean hydropower and competitive energy costs in the state of Washington.”
“Favorable infrastructure conditions, existing utilities, a skilled labor force and fast permitting processes were also important contributing factors,” Pohlman said.
Gregoire spoke of the plant launching the best and newest cutting edge technology.
The facility also creates about 200 construction jobs.
The jobs are something “we desperately need now,” as the work means growth for the state, she says.
Gregoire thanked BMW, SGL, 13th District legislators, Lowry, Grant County EDC, Port of Moses Lake, Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce, Grant County PUD, Big Bend Community College and the state Department of Commerce (DOC) for their efforts.
She spoke of how the project helps put construction employees back to work.
In some areas, the industry is experiencing 50 percent unemployment.
“It is really a great day in Washington state,” Gregoire commented.
Brewer, of Grant EDC, said they are thankful the governor participated in bringing the company to Moses Lake.
He also mentioned the help of the governor’s staff, the DOC, Energy Department, state Community Economic and Revitalization Board staff, Grant County commissioners Cindy Carter, Carolann Swartz and Richard Stevens, Grant County Community Development, Grant County Planning Department, Dave Nelson, former Moses Lake Mayor Ron Covey, City Manager Joseph Gavinski, Port of Moses Lake, Takata Industries, ASPI Group and EDC board, members and stakeholders.
Mayor Lane talked about his experience in the 1950s moving to Moses Lake from California.
Circle irrigation hadn’t been developed yet. But many years later, technology greatly advanced.
“We are witnessing the next green revolution, not a revolution in agriculture, but a focus on creating a system and product that protects and preserves our environment,” Lane commented.
Moses Lake is fortunate to have several major companies with a similar focus.
He mentioned Eka Chemicals, for producing a less toxic chemical used in the paper industry, and REC Silicon.
“Today, we welcome and celebrate the SGL and BMW joint venture for producing a carbon fiber product with cutting-edge technology,” Lane said.
Green renewable energy is used in every step of the process, he added.
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