Semiconductor Component Maker Negotiating for Silicon Forest Property

HILLSBORO, OR-Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd of Japan is securing a seven-acre site here this week on which it will construct its first US factory for the production of semiconductor materials for the wireless market. The exact location of the site will be announced next week when negotiations are finalized.

The company intends to invest $20 million initially, and up to $90 million more to expand facilities as demand for its products increase with demand in wireless markets. Construction is expected to begin this month. Production at the new facility is slated to begin in August 2001.