FINDLAY TWP., Pa., Aug. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- State investments of $9 million helped a Germany-based company choose Allegheny County for its first solar mirror production facility in the United States, creating 300 manufacturing jobs and strengthening Pennsylvania's position as a leader in clean energy development, Governor Edward G. Rendell said today.
Flabeg, a global leader in high-tech glass and mirror applications, will use the facility to manufacture parabolic solar mirrors, which are used to help generate electricity at large-scale solar power plants. It will be the company's first U.S. facility of this type.
"This was a very competitive project and Flabeg's decision to expand operations here shows that the international community continues to take notice of Pennsylvania's business environment and pioneering clean-energy efforts," Governor Rendell said. "With international leaders like Gamesa, Iberdrola, and Conergy already doing business in Pennsylvania, it's clear that the commonwealth has established itself as a leader in the development of clean energy solutions.
"We've already created more than 3,000 jobs in the renewable energy industry and leveraged $1 billion in private investment and, with solar energy production growing at an incredible pace and markets continuing to expand, it's clear that we've only seen the tip of the iceberg," the Governor said.
Flabeg plans to lease a 20-acre site in the Clinton Commerce Park in Findlay, and build a 209,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. The building will be constructed in two phases, with the first phase starting this fall. The total investment in both phases of the project is expected to be $30 million. Flabeg will retain 198 jobs at its other Allegheny County location, in Brackenridge, which manufactures mirror glass for passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
"Without the strategic vision and support from Governor Rendell, Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato and their respective staffs, Flabeg would not have made the decision to build this plant in Pennsylvania," said Charles Johnson, president of Flabeg Solar US Corporation. "Clearly, the Governor's commitment to alternative energy solutions has created a business environment attractive to companies leading the drive for energy independence."
Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard, one of the most ambitious in the nation, requires that, by 2021, at least 18 percent of all electricity sold at retail comes from clean, advanced energy resources. The state's clean energy law ensures that, when the solar share is in full effect in 2021, Pennsylvania will benefit from over 850 megawatts of solar-produced electricity.
The project was coordinated through the Governor's Action Team, a group of economic development professionals who serve as a single point-of-contact and coordination for businesses considering locating or expanding in the state. The Department of Community and Economic development's Office of International Business Development and its representative in Germany worked closely with GAT and Flabeg to help bring the project to fruition. The Allegheny County Department of Economic Development provided additional support for the project.
Pennsylvania provided a $9 million funding offer that included a $1.2 million opportunity grant, $3 million from the machinery and equipment loan fund, a $2 million loan from the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority, $1.5 million in Infrastructure and Facilities Improvement Program grants, $900,000 in job creation tax credits, and $400,000 in job training assistance.
Since January 2003, GAT has successfully completed 1,017 projects statewide. The projects represent commitments for 107,980 new jobs and 247,873 retained jobs. The commonwealth has offered $1.9 billion in funding to these projects, which will leverage more than $12 billion in additional investment.
For information on the Governor's Action Team and other DCED programs, visit www.NewPA.com or call 1-866-466-3972.
The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses.To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit www.governor.state.pa.us.
CONTACT: Teresa Candori of Pennsylvania Office of the Governor, +1-717-783-1116; or Luke Webber of DCED, +1-717-783-1132
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