Suniva Increases U.S. Manufacturing Capacity to 400MW
Suniva, Inc., a U.S. manufacturer of high-efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells and modules, today announced that it will be expanding its manufacturing capacity at its headquarters in Norcross, Georgia, expanding its U.S. manufacturing capacity to 400MW and creating up to 500 new jobs in the local community.
The expansion will occur on the heels of its Michigan plant opening, which opened in July 2014.
Since Suniva’s inception in 2007, the company has seen a steady increase in both technology advancements and manufacturing capacity. The expansion in Georgia will increase the production of its high-powered Optimus modules, with power ratings up to 290W (60-cell format) and 340W (72-cell format).
Suniva’s continued growth further strengthens its position as an American solar manufacturer. As a U.S.-born, U.S.-operated company, Suniva prides itself on its role of American job creation. Suniva employs the highest percentage of American workers among all other major solar module manufacturers. The new expansion will bring up to an additional 500 jobs to Georgia including management, administrative, supervisory and production positions.
“Since the production of our first solar cell in Gwinnett County seven years ago, Suniva products are now found world-wide. We are very pleased that our home here in Norcross will once again serve as the springboard for our next phase of growth,” said John Baumstark, chairman and chief executive officer of Suniva. “High demand for our products continues to validate that as the U.S. solar market matures, sophisticated buyers are increasingly valuing power density and quality.”
The state of Georgia is happy to have a growing number of green jobs:
“We welcome Suniva’s continued growth in Gwinnett County and feel that the Quick Start program and Georgia’s economic environment will be of major benefit to the growing company,” said Governor Nathan Deal. “Suniva’s growth from a Georgia Tech start-up to a top manufacturing company demonstrates that STEM fields continue to provide one of Georgia’s richest sources of employment and economic growth. Georgia’s universities are equipped with incredible research potential and Suniva’s success speaks to the potential of both Georgia’s businesses and students.”
“On behalf of the City of Norcross, I am pleased that Suniva, Inc. has chosen to expand their business in our thriving corporate community,” said Mayor Bucky Johnson, City of Norcross. “We are both humbled and honored that this widely respected and rapidly rising manufacturer of high-efficiency solar products chose Norcross to create 500 new jobs and provide a positive economic impact on our city. As member of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Green Communities program, a clean energy company like Suniva proves an ideal fit for the City of Norcross.”
