Expansion Management

Oracle Moves Production from Mexico to Oregon

Feb. 20, 2013

The move will create 130 new jobs as well as preserve 300 existing positions.

Oracle (IW 500/38) announced on Tuesday that it will expand its production of data center servers and storage systems in Hillsboro, Oregon, rather than moving those jobs overseas.

“Oracle is pleased to announce plans to grow our manufacturing presence in Oregon,” said Luke Kowalski, Oracle vice president. “By moving production of our industry-leading systems and servers from Mexico to Oracle’s Hillsboro facility we’ll be able to meet customer demand while bringing new technology jobs to the state of Oregon.”

The move will create 130 new jobs as well as preserve 300 existing positions.

The company said it will use $1.4 million in loans from the state of Oregon.

“I want to recognize Oracle’s decision to expand in the United States rather than overseas, just the latest example of an industry leader choosing to ‘onshore’ in our state,” said Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber. “This is further proof of Oregon’s competitiveness in the global economy and a recognition that Oregon workers are second to none in their skills and training.”

The State of Oregon is awarding Oracle a forgivable loan of $750,000 from the Strategic Reserve Fund and $649,000 from the Business Expansion Program for their Hillsboro expansion.

Oracle currently operates several facilities in Oregon, employing hundreds of people across the state.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.