The Economy

Solar Panel Manufacturer Announces $56 Million Expansion at U.K. Plant

Dec. 2, 2010

Facility will double company's production capacity of photovoltaic solar panels to meet growing European demand.

Sharp Manufacturing U.K. said it plans to invest $56 million (35 million pounds) in its Wrexham, Wales, solar manufacturing plant.

The expansion will create three new assembly lines, doubling the company's production capacity of photovoltaic solar panels to 500 megawatts. The company employs 750 at the site, and is planning to hire several hundred additional workers.

"As a global company, Sharp could have chosen anywhere to invest, but selected Wales because of its tech-savvy workforce and government support for business," said Geraint Jones, head of the Americas for the Welsh Assembly Government. "Sharp's location in Wales helps reach Europe's fast-growing solar panel technology market."

This month, Sharp also is launching a new renewable energy academy at its Wales facility, to train workers to install solar panels that will power homes and businesses, according to the Welsh government.

The Wales plant opened in 2004 with an annual capacity of 20 megawatts.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.