As statesmanjournal informs MHProNews, the Silverton (Ore.) Planning Commission voted to approve an application by Universal Forest Products, Inc. (UFPI) to move into the former Champion Homes’ Redman Housing facility in the city’s industrial park. The wood-product manufacturing plant would consolidate operations now being conducted at nearby Woodburn and McMinnville, and would employ 100 people once the plant is readied for production, likely by the fall. Based in Grand Rapids, Mich., UFPI met with nearby residents and city staff members in Dec. 2012 before submitting its application Jan. 18. The building has sat empty for five years. Universal is a component supplier to the manufactured housing industry.

(Photo credit: Universal Forest Products, Inc.)