Hillsboro solar business to lay off staff, may close plant

HILLSBORO, Ore. (AP) – A Hillsboro solar manufacturer has announced it may lay off most, if not all of its staff by July and close its Hillsboro plant.

State employment officials released a SolarWorld letter on Thursday which states that it is looking to lay off at least 500 regular employees. The May 19 letter says action is expected to be permanent.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports (http://bit.ly/2qjUEWt ) that SolarWorld said Wednesday it would continue to operate into the future, although the letter suggests that the plant may close.

SolarWorld officials had previously said their operation was facing tough competition from Chinese companies. According to the report, SolarWorld joined a trade case Thursday in hopes that a tariff or other sanctions may be placed on Chinese imports