A Bright Spot in the Midst of a Dark Budget Debate

New solar company could invest $250 million, create 500 jobs in Thomas Township
By Barrie Barber The Saginaw News
October 06, 2009, 12:54PM

A Georgia-based company could invest $250 million in a solar cell making plant and create up to 500 jobs within five years in Thomas Township.

Suniva Inc. would build on 40 acres in a proposed 235-acre renewable energy park near the corner of M-52 and M-46 in Thomas Township, said Saginaw Future Inc. President JoAnn T. Crary. “Those jobs are going to be well-paid positions with benefit plans and I think that’s something that any area in the country would be happy to see given the current economy of the nation,” said Thomas Township Manager Russell P. Taylor.

Crary said the deal is contingent on Suniva securing a loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy. An exact dollar amount wasn’t available. “We have some momentum going, and it’s just awesome news for the region,” she said. “We’re very optimistic this project will move forward.” Hemlock Semiconductor Corp., Dow Corning and Dow Chemical Co. have invested nearly $3 billion since 2005 in solar technology in the Great Lakes Bay Region, Crary noted.

The Norcross, Ga.-based Suniva would produce high-efficiency silicon photovoltaic cells, dubbed “ARTisun,” on six production lines with the yearly capacity to produce 400 megawatts of solar power, or the equivalent of powering 100,000 households. “This is a new part of the solar value chain,” she said.

Economic boosters have touted HSC as the anchor to attract new solar companies and jobs. “Should we land this company, this is the first domino in a long chain,” predicted state Rep. Kenneth B. Horn, a Frankenmuth Republican whose district covers Thomas Township.
HSC is the world’s biggest producer of polycrystalline silicon. The raw material is used to make solar panels and computer chips.

Suniva would begin construction in 2010 on three production lines. The other lines would begin operation in April 2012, project estimates show. State and local governments have offered an alphabet soup of incentives to attract the solar manufacturer, such as a first-ever $15 million Photovoltaic Michigan Business Tax credit due for Michigan Economic Development Corp. endorsement today.

“It’s critical that we diversify our economy and Michigan has the tools and the expertise and the workforce and the drive quite frankly to establish alternative energy sectors in our state,” said MEDC spokeswoman Bridget Beckman. “We are very quickly seeking national recognition among alternative energy companies as the place to be.”

Other planned or already OK’d incentives include: A Michigan Economic Growth Authority tax credit of up to $8.6 million; more than $45 million in property tax savings as part of a 15-year Renaissance Zone; a potential $10 million Community Development Block Grant to prepare the site for construction; and a Saginaw County Community Development Block Grant loan of $500,000.

Saginaw Future estimates the project will create more than 1,625 spin-off jobs.