Vancouver, Washington

Silicon ingots for secure internal supply

Home of the historically famous Hudson’s Bay Trading Company’s Fort Vancouver,this growing city in Washington State is settled on the north bank of the mighty Columbia River. What started as an inland trade center over 300 years ago, has become a thriving center for energy-intensive manufacturing such as silicon crystals and semiconductors, as well as pulp and paper.

Situated near an abundant source of renewable hydro-electric power, Vancouver provides an excellent backdrop for high-tech manufacturing operations. Today, SolarWorld’s product starts here with monocrystalline ingots, the building block of solar photovoltaic panels.

Vancouver is minutes away from Portland, OR, which is found on the south bank of the Columbia River. Both cities are ideally situated in the heart of the Great Pacific Northwest, with abundant outdoor attractions including the Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, which is less than 30 minutes to the east.

The city and those who call it home maintain a close relationship with Portland, but “The Couv,” as Vancouver is sometimes called, has retained a sense of independence and identity, allowing residents to take advantage of the excitement of a major metropolitan area with small-town charm and a multitude of readily accessible opportunities. With its commitment to building a strong, healthy downtown, this city is currently diversifying and invigorating the downtown economy with mixed-use residential and retail development, as well as public art and open spaces. Over the past decade, Clark County, where Vancouver is situated, has been one of the fastest growing counties in the nation, speaking directly to the area’s popularity and vitality.

Both Clark Community College and Washington State University, Vancouver are nearby educational institutions, providing ample opportunities for continued academic and professional growth.