Portland, OR January 20, 2012
Sapa Extrusions is expanding operations in the Port of Vancouver, Washington, bringing nearly 100 new jobs to the region. The new facility, a 142,800-square-foot-building, will house equipment transferred from Sapa’s Portland plant and other facilities, as well as new equipment and facility upgrades.
The Port of Vancouver facility is the first Sapa location in the state of Washington. Sapa’s Portland operation currently consists of six facilities that serve the solar/renewable energy, building and construction, distribution, and consumer durables markets.
“We are excited at this expansion opportunity and the economic development this will bring to the region,” said John Noordwijk, General Manager West Region for Sapa Extrusions.
A crucial reason Sapa chose Vancouver as the location for the new facility was the Port of Vancouver’s success in securing an $800,000 public facility improvements loan from the Washington State Community Economic Development Revitalization Board (CERB). These funds are being used for necessary building upgrades that include replacing the building’s asphalt floor with a reinforced level concrete floor, as well as electrical, heating, vent and air conditioning upgrades.
In addition to the CERB loan, the Port of Vancouver will also provide $500,000 in matching funds to complete the improvements, bringing the total municipal investment to $1.3 million.
“We view this investment as a way to help bring nearly 100 family-wage jobs to Clark County where unemployment is still hovering near 13 percent,” said Larry Paulson, Port of Vancouver Executive Director. “Our private sector partner, Sapa Extrusions, has a proven track record of success with tremendous potential for growth and will be a valuable new business in Clark County and Washington State."
In addition to the investment made by the Port of Vancouver, Sapa expects to invest $6.5 million in new manufacturing equipment and additional facility upgrades that will occur over the first 12 months of occupancy at the new location.
The first addition to the new Port of Vancouver facility was a 7” press that was relocated from Sapa’s British Columbia plant in October. The press has been upgraded with new equipment for safety and improved production and quality.
The Port of Vancouver facility will also house the extrusion die manufacturing operation from Sapa’s Portland plant, which requires the relocation of 22 pieces of machinery in late January. This transfer, along with three new machining centers, will allow Sapa to expand and modernize its Portland die manufacturing operation, almost doubling its capacity.
The final phase of expansion will take place in late 2012 when an additional 5” press is transferred to the Port of Vancouver facility from Sapa’s Portland plant. The 5” press is being modified for use of Sapa Technical Dynamics Aluminum (TDA) at the new facility. Sapa TDA produces tiny extrusions used in the aerospace, medical, electronic, transportation and communication markets. The modified press will make Sapa TDA a two-press operation with some of the most efficient small presses in North America, expanding Sapa’s capabilities in these markets.
During the expansion of the new facility, the main goal has been to focus on safety. Special safety devices have been added to the 7” press, and the entire system has been raised for better ergonomics for employees. Additionally, building improvements and the creation of open areas has enabled Sapa to maintain the highest safety practices.
“Safety is our top priority at Sapa,” said Mats Johansson, Plant Manager at Sapa’s Portland operation, “Across all of our plants, we’re committed to ensuring our equipment meets industry standards to ensure a safe environment for our employees.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Emily Geesaman, Buchanan Public Relations for Sapa Extrusions – North America
geesaman@buchananpr.com
+1 610-649-9292
Sapa Extrusions – North America is part of the Sapa Group, the world’s largest aluminum profile producer.