Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD) (Nasdaq: ENER), a leading global manufacturer of thin-film flexible solar laminate products for the building integrated and commercial rooftop markets, today announced Battle Creek, Mich., as the location for its new 120-megawatt (MW) solar cell manufacturing facility.
The company expects to begin construction on the 265,000 square-foot facility this fall and to be in production by the end of 2009. ECD also has the option to build a second 120-MW facility at the Battle Creek site with the same specifications.
Mark Morelli, ECD’s president and CEO, said, "We continue to profitably grow our business, and there is a strong demand worldwide for our solar products. To meet this demand, we are expanding our capacity to 1 gigawatt (GW) by the end of fiscal year 2012. After careful analysis of a number of potential sites we have chosen Battle Creek for this new 120MW plant as we continue to select sites that offer access to qualified workforces and the ability to quickly begin construction and ramp production. We plan to produce solar cells in Battle Creek, which will then be finished into solar laminates or integrated into BIPV products at other locations around the world."
"The economic incentives offered by State, County and Battle Creek governments, and the support and assistance of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) were key elements in our decision to choose Battle Creek, without which we would not have been able to expand in this community," added Morelli.
The MEDC has offered Michigan Business Tax credits valued at $41.4 million over 20 years to win the company’s business. A $12.6 million federal Community Development Block Grant approved by the MEDC and awarded to Calhoun County will fund infrastructure improvements needed to support the new plant.
The MEDC and city have supported a 15-year, tax-free Renaissance Zone and property tax abatements for the site, worth an additional $67 million to the company. With additional funding for training assistance, the state and local incentive package totals approximately $120 million for the Battle Creek expansion.
About Energy Conversion Devices
Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD) is a leader in building integrated and commercial rooftop photovoltaics, one of the fastest growing segments of the solar power industry. The company manufactures and sells thin-film solar laminates that convert sunlight to energy using proprietary technology. ECD’s UNI-SOLAR® brand products are unique because of their flexibility, light weight, ease of installation, durability, and real-world efficiency. ECD also pioneers other alternative technologies, including a new type of nonvolatile digital memory technology that is significantly faster, less expensive, and ideal for use in a variety of applications including cell phones, digital cameras and personal computers.
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