Oregon Public Broadcasting

The central Washington city of Moses Lake will soon make carbon fibers that will go into BMW's new electric car. Washington Governor Chris Gregoire joined leaders of the German contractor SGL Wednesday in breaking ground for a new manufacturing plant. Doug Nadvornick was there.

Doug Nadvornick / Northwest News Network

Ceremonial groundbreaking for the German company’s new manufacturing plant in Moses Lake, WA.

SGL will make carbon fibers here. That woven fabric will make the lightweight, but very strong, shell for the German automaker's electric car called Megacity. It's due to hit the market in 2013.

SGL managers say they chose the central Washington site in part because of the region's cheap, and renewable, hydropower.

It's a rare groundbreaking ceremonies these days for Washington Governor Chris Gregoire.

Chris Gregoire: "For us, let's be honest, it means new jobs. It means growth for our state and it means a continuing emphasis in Washington state on an emerging green economy."

SGL plans to begin operating its new plant next summer and hire about 80 people.