By George Avalos Oakland Tribune

SAN JOSE -- Super Micro Computer, a fast-growing networking and communications company, intends to build a 1.6 million-square-foot complex at the Mercury News' current site in North San Jose that could have 2,800 or more employees and will include something rare for the Bay Area: manufacturing activities.

The company has submitted to the city preliminary plans for the project, which will include light manufacturing, offices and warehouse space. The plans include 2,800 parking spaces, which suggests a major employment boost for San Jose.

The proposed complex, which will be built on 36 acres near the interchange of Interstate 880 and Brokaw Road, would rise near the current Super Micro headquarters and engineering operations.

A Ridder Park Drive sign is shown in front of the San Jose Mercury News newspaper office, owned by McClatchy, in San Jose, Calif., Thursday, July 13, 2006. (PAUL SAKUMA/AP file photo)

Super Micro bought the site from Digital First Media, the parent company of the Mercury News, for about $30.5 million in September. The newspaper is expected to relocate to downtown San Jose, where it will move about 300 editorial, advertising and administration employees.

Super Micro officials couldn't be immediately reached for comment, but city officials said the company will retain its current facilities and that its new complex will be an expansion of its operations.

"Super Micro has told us they are growing and they need to expand, particularly in warehousing and light manufacturing and assembly," said Nanci Klein, San Jose's deputy economic development director. "We are very excited to see them moving forward on this."

Over its most recent 12 months, Super Micro earned $36 million on revenue of $1.27 billion.

"Super Micro is doing very well, their financials are strong and they are a market leader," said Rob Enderle, a San Jose-based analyst who tracks the tech sector. "They are one of the up-and-comers."

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Super Micro may employ 2,800 at new San Jose complex