touchscreenTouchscreen devices, optical electronics and aerospace are among the uses of manufactured sapphire crystals.  The synthetic material is extremely strong, scratch-resistant and laboratory-made. B Crystal, a sapphire manufacturer from Latvia, is opening its U.S. headquarters and production facility in Washougal, Washington to tap into the highly skilled workforce and low cost energy. The company plans to expand into the growing market demand for sapphire materials in aerospace and electronics as well as other industry clusters. Read more in the Camas-Washougal Post-Record.

Washington State has a well-established position in the development and production of advanced materials with more than 80 composites companies and over 230 materials scientists forging new materials that are lighter, stronger and more durable to meet industry demands. Learn more about advanced materials and manufacturing in Washington State by contacting our business experts at moreinfo@choosewashingtonstate.com.