A master plan amendment and zone change needed for Ray Thompson’s planned light manufacturing plant north of Kalispell won unanimous approval Monday from Flathead County commissioners.

A public hearing on a request to change the zoning on 50 acres of farmland from agricultural to industrial drew no testimony from the public.

The approved resolution of intent to adopt the zone change now opens the door for a 30-day written comment period before a final vote is taken.

Thompson intends to build the plant in the middle of a working farm he owns east of Whitefish Stage Road and a quarter-mile north of West Reserve Drive. He envisions a campus much like the Semitool (now Applied Materials) complex he built years ago on the west side of Whitefish Stage Road.

He recently acquired a California company called Applied Instruments Technologies and will build parts for instruments such as mass spectrometers, which measure the quantity of gases and liquids and are used in blending gasoline for various octane levels.

Construction on the plant is expected to begin next year, and when completed, the facility will employ up to 100 workers.

Eric Mulcahy of Sands Surveying, representing Thompson at Monday’s hearing, pointed out that light industrial and agricultural zoning are very compatible.

Commissioner Pam Holmquist said she’s excited about the potential for new jobs for the Flathead Valley.

“It’s a good fit for the property,” she said.

Commissioner Dale Lauman agreed, saying that “as time goes on we probably will see more industrial [development] in that area.”