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Commerce Department to put $3M toward massive Scappoose training project

July 30, 2018

The U.S. Commerce said it's putting $3 million toward a Scappoose training facility that could create hundreds of jobs.

The Oregon Institute of Technology received the grant, which it will apply toward the Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center. The Center, which counts several big hitters among its supporters, is set to create 978 new jobs, retain 512 jobs and spur some $692 million in private investment, according to the Commerce Department.

Its local supporters include the Boeing Company, Daimler Trucks North America, Vigor Industrial, ATI, Blount International, Hangsterfer's Laboratories Inc. and Silver Eagle Manufacturing.

"OMIC will help students and workers learn the skills they need to work in today's economy, where advanced manufacturing is increasingly technical, while also advancing research and development that helps industries compete and thrive," said Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, the Democrat who represents the Scappoose area, in a a release.

The money, according to the Commerce Department, will help retrofit, furnish, and equip an existing 34,000 square-foot building that'll house the manufacturing research and training facility. The idea is that it will help the area's metal manufacturers remain competitive.