The Economic Climate for the Tri-Cities
 
Recently the Tri-Cities area received business news and our economic forecast looks sunny and bright.   San Juan Pools, the nation’s largest and oldest fiberglass manufacture, is moving to the Tri-Cities (Kennewick). The company initially plans to build a regional distribution center and a manufacturing unit will be added later.   Mike Copeland, western region vice president, reports the manufacturing operation will create 80 well paying jobs. The facility will distribute the company’s product in nine western states.
 
The Owner of California’s famous and quirky Bonny Doon Vineyards plans to break ground on a $5.7 million winery in West Richland.  Pacific Rim Wine Company will become the largest producer of Riesling in the world.   The wine previously had been made from Columbia area grape juice trucked to California. 
 
Columbia Crest Winery plans to build 150,000 square foot distribution and warehouse building at its Paterson Winery.
 
Bechtel National announced last week that it plans to add 760 workers to its Vitrification Plant. The company recently posted job opening for 125 positions, mostly engineers.