Nintendo To Build Video-Game Distribution Center In North Bend

-- NORTH BEND

Nintendo of America Inc., the video-game maker, has bought 123 acres in North Bend and plans to build a distribution center there.

Phil Rogers, vice president of operations, said the site, at the northwest quadrant of the Interstate 90 South Fork Interchange, was selected because of its size, freeway access and natural beauty.

Nintendo of America, based in Redmond, is a subsidiary of the world's largest manufacturer and marketer of video games, Nintendo Co. Ltd. The company expects to initially employ about 50 people by late this year. Some will be transferred from the Redmond complex, headquarters for the company's marketing, manufacturing, research, service and distribution operations.

``We've put down strong community roots in Washington. Like our original location in Redmond, we expect our new facilities in North Bend to add to Nintendo's continued contribution to the economic health of the surrounding areas,'' said Minoru Arakawa, company president.

Preliminary site planning is under way and more detailed plans will be announced later, Rogers said.