By Neil Offen

noffen@heraldsun.com; 419-6646

DURHAM -- Light maker Cree Inc. will receive more than $39 million in tax credits from the federal government as part of President Obama's clean energy initiative.

The credits -- part of $2.3 billion doled out nationwide through the Recovery Act Advanced Energy Manufacturing program -- will enable the Durham-based LED maker to continue to expand and add more jobs.

"This investment is part of Cree's already-announced capital plans, and includes additional investments this year and over the next several years," said Michelle Murray, a spokesperson for the company. "The North Carolina jobs resulting from this investment and expansion are part of the previously announced 575 jobs by 2012."

In 2009, Cree hired nearly 300 of those positions.

The Recovery Act Tax Credits were designed to reward companies investing in the production of energy-efficient technologies. In concert with a Green Jobs announcement in October 2009, Cree submitted an in-depth application for the tax credits for equipment to be used in the U.S. manufacture of LEDs.

"The tax credits are important to support Cree's ongoing growth and investment in green technology in North Carolina," said Murray.

Cree has been on a hot streak recently, announcing record revenues for the last two quarters.

One hundred eighty three projects in 43 states received the credits. Cree was the only North Carolina-based company to get the government's nod.