Oracle will expand in Hillsboro, create 130 jobs

HILLSBORO, Ore. (AP) -- Technology company Oracle said Tuesday it will use $1.4 million in loans from the state of Oregon to expand its Hillsboro facility, adding 130 jobs and keeping others from going overseas.

Oracle will get the loans in exchange for creating the full-time positions and retaining 300 slots over the next two years, Gov. John Kitzhaber's office said.

Oracle received a $750,000 forgivable loan from the Strategic Reserve Fund and a $649,000 forgivable loan from the Business Expansion Program.

The company will not have to repay the state if it fulfills the requirements to add and retain jobs in Oregon within the next two years.

The company will move production of data-center servers and storage systems from Mexico to Hillsboro, said Luke Kowalski, an Oracle vice president.

"We'll be able to meet customer demand while bringing new technology jobs to the state of Oregon," Kowalski said.

Kitzhaber, who visited the Hillsboro facility on Tuesday, praised the company's decision.

"This is further proof of Oregon's competitiveness in the global economy," the governor said, "and a recognition that Oregon workers are second to none in their skills and training."

Oracle has five facilities in Oregon.