BMW facility planned in Moses Lake

SEATTLE - Grant County received an economic shot in the arm Tuesday with the official announcement of a BMW parts plant being built in Moses Lake.

The project is expected to create about 80 jobs at first and ramp up to 200 jobs at full completion.

SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers announced their $100 million investment for the initial production phase of a carbon fiber manufacturing plant, according to the company.

Between 150 and 200 construction jobs would result, said Theodore Breyer, deputy CEO of the SGL Group.

Area jobs are needed, as Grant County's unemployment rate was 13.6 percent in March.

The plant will manufacture carbon fibers for the future Megacity vehicle. A groundbreaking is set for June in Moses Lake.

The company, SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers, is a joint venture between the SGL Group and BMW Group.

Company representatives announced the news during a press conference in Seattle Tuesday.

"Moses Lake has been chosen," said Breyer, of the SGL Group.

He called carbon fiber a "21st century material."

"You think of space craft," Breyer said. "We're taking it from space to the air."

"This is a great day for Moses Lake," said Gov. Christine Gregoire.