An Australian company is coming to North County and says it is bringing jobs.

SeaShell Awnings USA is a spinoff of an Australian maker of ecologically friendly shade products. The company formally opens its doors today in Carlsbad.

The company says it hopes to create as many as 300 jobs by 2010 at its manufacturing and distribution headquarters at 1261 Liberty Way.

SeaShell Awnings USA is the result of an Australian-American partnership between Ken Gale, founder of the Australian SeaShell Awnings, and John Hanley, founder of Vista's SolaTube, a maker of tubular skylights.

Innes Willox, the Australian consul general, is scheduled to attend the opening, which includes a barbecue and ribbon-cutting.

The company says its shades reduce heating and cooling energy costs. The frames are made out of recycled aluminum and self-retracts when in 30-35 knot winds.

- North County Times

(August 8, 2008)

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