In Camas, Senator Murray Delivers Keynote Remarks Celebrating 25th Anniversary of nLIGHT

nLIGHT employes 800 people in Washington state; Senator Murray toured the Camas facility following passage of Chips & Science Act in 2022

***PHOTOS AND VIDEO HERE***

Camas, WA - Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, delivered keynote remarks at the 25^th anniversary celebration of nLIGHT, a manufacturer of high-power semiconductor and fiber lasers headquartered in Camas, Washington. The company employes 800 people in Washington state-including more than 500 people at their facility in Camas-and is part of a hub of semiconductor manufacturers in the region, where manufacturing is one of the top industries. nLIGHT also supports STEM education programs in the region through their nConnect program. Founded in 2005, the program provides mentors and supports students taking rigorous STEM courses in Southwest Washington.

Senator Murray has been a longtime supporter of nLIGHT, and she toured the Camas facility in August 2022 to celebrate the passage of the CHIPS & Science Act, which Senator Murray played a key role in passing through Congress as then-Assistant Majority Leader-photos from that visit are HERE. The legislation authorized nearly $250 billion in loans, grants, and tax incentives to chip manufacturers, as well as support for workforce development.

Senator Murray's remarks, as delivered at the event, are below:

"Thank you. I'm pleased to join you, as you celebrate everything nLight has built here in Washington state over the last 25 years.

"You know, in the other Washington, we all like to say we are 'laser focused' on solving problems and making progress. But here at nLight-that has a whole different meaning. Your laser focus is quite real. And the progress you've made is very real too!

"To be here listening to Scott talk about all the things you've developed, highly advanced lasers and components that are absolutely critical to advanced chips manufacturing. You've established a tremendously important that's trusted with our military that is critical. You have built a company that is on the cutting edge of science and manufacturing, and it really is the heart of the community here in Camas, Washington, which has become a hub of innovation, so we're all very proud of what has gone on here.

"So, when I work in Congress, whether it's to reauthorize the STEM workforce programs or help make sure we build more resilient supply chains for chips, or invest in research and advanced manufacturing, I'm really talking about what happens right here with nLight and with all of you. And I know that nLight is really at the forefront of making all of that a reality.

"I toured the facilities here a few years ago, just after we passed the Chips and Science Act, so I could really see firsthand how the investments that we were going to make in that law would help our supply chains and our national security.

"And I have to tell you, I walked away absolutely amazed, just as I do today, watching all of what you do, and I can't wait to see more of what you're doing here. Because what you do here actually echoes across the country, and the entire world.

"From manufacturing those semiconductors that help bring costs down on technology that impacts real people's lives, whether it's the medical equipment, or whether it's the cars, or whether it is our defense, your work on lasers isn't just science fiction-although it feels like that to all of us who aren't scientists. But it is really work that keeps our country safe and keeps us on the cutting edge of defense.

"And in addition to creating those semiconductors and lasers right here in Washington state, nLight has created hundreds of jobs as well. How many people do you employ now, Scott?

"800 people. Those people all work, contribute back to this community, to our state, and to our country. Did you know that today, unemployment in Clark County is at a historic low-because of what nLight is doing and because of companies like it.

"So, I really appreciate that you are focusing not just on what you do, but on the people who do it. And especially the students-as you and I have talked about so often, Scott-we are only as good as the least among us. And we have to make sure that everybody has the capabilities to move our country forward, and I'm so delighted that you're starting your mentoring program again.

"I think that's just absolutely critical and all the students who will benefit from that-and actually all your workers who benefit from that as well, because I remember talking to some of them who it was their highlight of their day to be mentoring a student and passing on their knowledge and their skills and their enthusiasm for the work here.

"The legacy of nLight has really established a testament to years of working hard, changing the definition of 'impossible,' and having steady, trusted leadership like Scott-we appreciate you.

"I've actually known Scott since the early days of nLight, and I am not surprised that someone with his drive and his vision has been able to bring together so many talented people, to tackle such challenging problems, with such incredible success.

"And I have no doubt that, despite everything we have seen so far, you're just getting started. You're just getting started.

"And we will be celebrating again in the years to come what we aren't even thinking is possible today or even thinking about because of the work of Scott, what you do here, and all of the people that work to make this happen.

"So, I am delighted to be here today with you, Scott, to see more of what you're doing, and I wish you all the best. Thank you."

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