Oregon Public Broadcasting

One day after news that a truck plant would close in Portland, Oregon’s economy is taking a symbolic step forward.

Officials broke ground in Salem Wednesday on a new solar manufacturing facility.  Correspondent Chris Lehman reports.

On Tuesday, Daimler announced it would shut down its Freightliner plant by 2010.  That will leave around 900 people out of a job.  But Oregon will gain 200 jobs next fall in Salem.

Electronics giant Sanyo broke ground on a new plant that will manufacture components for solar cells.

Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski said the Sanyo plant is one piece of good news in troubled economic times.

Ted Kulongoski:  “Today, we have a different story to tell.  It is about making smart investments that will lead to long-term prosperity. It is about building a diversified, knowledge-based and sustainable economy.”

When it opens, it will be the seventh solar manufacturing facility in Oregon.  

The Governor said the state’s Business Energy Tax Credit is partially responsible for so many solar plants locating here.