Edwards Vacuum has begun construction of a new Technology Innovation Center on an eight-acre site in Hillsboro, OR. The 75,000-square-foot facility will serve as the U.K.-based vacuum and abatement solutions manufacturer’s North American semiconductor headquarters.
“Our state-of-the-art innovation center and manufacturing facility is strategically located close to some of our key accounts in the Pacific Northwest, and will enable us to work closely with them, as well as other customers in North America, on R&D and continuous improvement programs,” said Scott Balaguer, vice president & general manager, Semiconductor Division North America. “This proximity will also enable us to provide rapid service and support, as well as serve as our regional training center.”
Edwards has approximately 100 employees at its current Hillsboro locations, and with consolidation expects to double in size at the new facility, which is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2019.
“We are excited about opening our innovation center here in Hillsboro,” said Balaguer. “Edwards is fully committed to the Northwest Region, creating jobs and participating in the local growth, as environmentally conscious corporate stewards in the neighborhood. We anticipate continued expansion on site, as we plan to design and manufacture our integrated vacuum and abatement production solutions, as well as other world-class products in our portfolio.
Ed English, senior vice president at Avison Young, and his team worked closely with Edwards to lead the real estate strategy and implementation.
“This project spanned two years of due diligence, analysis, and negotiation that included the collaboration of half a dozen firms and experts,” said English. “Edwards’ consistent mission throughout the process was made clear to all parties; they wanted to position the company to best serve their customers and support their growth. Edwards originally planned to lease the facility, but ultimately chose to purchase it. They ‘put their money where their mouth is’, proving their definitive commitment to Hillsboro.”
Edwards has over 4,000 employees worldwide engaged in the design, manufacture and support of high technology vacuum and exhaust management equipment and has state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Europe, Asia and North America. Edwards is part of the Atlas Copco group.
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