Nu-Ray Metal Products Inc., based in Auburn, Wash., has expanded its operations to Airway Heights, and hopes to employ eight to 10 people there by year's end.

Mike Bankers, who owns the business with his father, Tim Bankers, says the company leased a 15,000-square-foot shop and showroom at 13026 W. McFarlane Road and began operations there last month. It's completing installation of the equipment it uses to make metal siding and roofing.

He says Nu-Ray is expanding here because its metal siding and roofing is becoming more popular, but declines to disclose the company's annual sales.

Bankers says the company sells its products, roll-formed metal siding and roofing, in seven different patterns and 40 colors, mainly to building contractors and lumber yards.

He says the metal products also are popular for agricultural and commercial buildings, and are being used increasingly for residential roofing, especially in snowy climates.

Bankers says the roll-formed products are Energy Star approved, 100 percent recyclable, and come with a 40-year warranty.

Bankers says the company plans to start with a staff of five people here, and hopes to add between three and five more employees during this year. Nu-Ray Metal currently employs about 50 people overall. In addition to its Airway Heights and Auburn facilities, it has an operation in Redlands, Calif.

Bill Butler, of Web Properties Inc., of Spokane, and Scott Person and Chris Siemens, of NAI Black, of Spokane, handled the lease transaction.