Suntech Power Holdings Co and Arizona Governor Jan Brewer announced the company's first US manufacturing plant will be in Goodyear.
The factory is designed to manufacture solar electricity technologies and equipment. Manufacturing will begin in September.
Suntech is a China-based cleantech company. The company said it selected Goodyear based on several factors, including the State of Arizona's progressive renewable energy standards and solar policies for both utility-scale and rooftop installations, the Greater Phoenix Area's supportive business climate, and the availability of local manufacturing-ready facilities.
"I am pleased to welcome Suntech to Arizona, and commend the company for choosing Goodyear as the site for its solar manufacturing operation," said Brewer. "I am very serious about establishing Arizona as a leader in the renewable energy sector - we offer a strategic location with a highly skilled workforce, low payroll taxes, and, now, the right incentive program to make business sense."
The plant will facilitate collaboration with similar efforts ongoing at nearby Arizona State University. Plans include constructing solar parking structures on the site that will generate electricity for use in the plant as well as provide shaded parking for employees.
"Taking the step to bring manufacturing to the U.S. is a strategic move for our North American business, and we're focused on making the most of our investment," said Steven Chan, Chief Strategy Officer, Suntech. "With our Goodyear facility, we have the opportunity to design a truly innovative module manufacturing center that can accelerate innovation, allowing us to deploy new products designed to meet the burgeoning U.S. solar market. Having a facility here in the US will also reduce the time, costs and greenhouse gas emissions associated with shipping panels from overseas." (Edited by EnergyChinaFroum.com. For more information, please email to: info@energychinaforum.com)
(Tradingmarkets,Feb 8,2010)
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