SALEM (AP) — Salem city officials say an affiliate of a Japan-based company plans to build an $80 million solar cell plant that will employ at least 200 workers.

The Salem City Council approved a ground lease and purchase agreement with Sanyo Solar of Oregon on Thursday. Sanyo will pay about $1.74 million for about 20 acres in southeast Salem.

City officials say site preparations for the factory could begin as early as next week and the project could be completed by 2010.

Sanyo must maintain an average salary and benefit package of $50,000 per worker to receive the city tax incentives. It also must employ a minimum of 200 people in Salem.