Business & Tech

Soitec to Base Solar Manufacturing in RB

The French company announced Thursday that it plans to open a manufacturing plant in Rancho Bernardo in 2012.

Soitec, a French maker of semiconductor materials for the electronics and energy industries, will base its North American solar system manufacturing operations in Rancho Bernardo, city of San Diego officials announced Thursday.

The plant, expected to become operational late next year, is expected to create 450 jobs. Gov. Jerry Brown is scheduled to speak at the plant dedication in Rancho Bernardo on Friday.

"The factory creates skilled manufacturing jobs, builds San Diego's base of innovative companies and will produce enough renewable solar energy to serve thousands of households per year," Mayor Jerry Sanders said. "I couldn't be more pleased with the positive impact it will have on San Diego."

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Workers at the 176,000-square-foot facility at 16550 Via Esprillo will produce Soitec's Concentrix concentrated photovoltaic technology solar modules for utility customers.

"We are very committed to the U.S. market and to the San Diego community and look forward to increasing our presence in the region," said Andre-Jacques Auberton-Herve, CEO and chairman of Soitec. "With the support of community leaders, we look forward to continuing our expansion in San Diego and providing systems that not only deliver performance and competitive energy prices, but that also spur innovation and jobs for the region."

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Soitec credited San Diego with having a strong market for solar energy, a supportive business community and a "progressive" utility—referring to San Diego Gas & Electric.

-City News Service


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