REC Silicon celebrates expansion and job creation
Sen. Maria Cantwell and elected officials highlight innovative solar technology
during Grand Opening
Moses Lake, Wash. - REC Silicon - one of the world's largest producers of
silicon materials and manufacturer of solar, electronic grade polysilicon and
silane gas - celebrated the recent expansion of its operations with a grand
opening and plant tours on Monday.
"During difficult economic times, REC Silicon is growing," said Tore Torvund,
President of REC Silicon. "We have added jobs to Central Washington and helped
pioneer new technology that makes solar energy more affordable."
Headquartered in Moses Lake, Washington, and with additional operations in
Butte, Montana, REC Silicon produces the raw materials used to make products
like solar panels, hybrid vehicle electronics, MP3 players, flat screen TVs,
laptops, digital cameras and more.
The Grand Opening marked the completion of a $1.7 billion expansion. With the
additions of Silicon III and Silicon IV, REC Silicon's polysilicon and silane
production have significantly increased, further solidifying the company's
position as a world leader in each of these areas.
The expansion is about more than adding capacity. The company has invested
significant money and time in developing the new Fluid Bed Reactor (FBR)
technology, which is the method used for producing granular polysilicon in
Silicon III. This ground-breaking technology is lowering the production cost of
polysilicon, making solar energy a more affordable alternative.
On Monday, Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., joined other statewide elected
officials in a ribbon-cutting to honor the expanded Silicon III and Silicon IV
plants.
"Today's celebration marks a significant milestone for REC Silicon and for
Washington state as a whole," Senator Cantwell said. "REC's recent expansion in
operations has brought hundreds of permanent, high-paying jobs to Central
Washington and lays a foundation for future economic prosperity. Â I believe that
with the right government policies and incentives, combined with the right
private sector innovation and investment, the United States will become the
leader in the largest market opportunity of the 21(st) century - clean energy."
The establishment of Silicon III and Silicon IV not only created permanent jobs
in the Moses Lake area; it also generated several hundred temporary jobs during
the period of construction. During the last five years, REC Silicon has doubled
the number of permanent employees in Moses Lake.
The construction of Silicon III resulted in a peak of 1,875 contract jobs in
Moses Lake. Silicon IV's construction peaked at 800 jobs, between employees and
construction. In fact, Cantwell noted, "The job-creation doesn't stop at REC
Silicon's gates. Every REC employee supports almost three other Washington state
jobs."
For more information:
Anne Ekern, Director of Communications, REC Silicon,
Tel: Â +1 (509) 760-0014
Sharon Palmerton, Head of Community Affairs, REC Silicon
Tel: +1 (509) 760-6314
About REC
REC is a leading vertically integrated player in the solar energy industry. REC
is among the world's largest producers of polysilicon and wafers for solar
applications, and a rapidly growing manufacturer of solar cells and modules. REC
is also engaged in project development activities in selected PV segments.
Founded in Norway, REC is an international solar company, employing close to
4,000 people worldwide. REC had revenues in excess of NOK 9 billion in 2009.
Please visitwww.recgroup.com to learn more about REC.
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originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Renewable Energy Corporation ASA via Thomson Reuters ONE
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