Siliken S.A. Announcing the Selection of Windsor to Host its Solar Module
Manufacturing Facility in Ontario, Canada

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WINDSOR, ON, Oct 8 /CNW/ - Siliken S.A., one of Europe's leading solar companies, announced today the establishment of a new domestic content compliant module manufacturing facility in Ontario, Canada. The new facility located in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, is expected to be in full production by the second quarter of 2011, and will be one of the largest solar module manufacturing plants in North America.

"We are delighted to welcome Siliken and their partners to Windsor. This economic development project has been ongoing for many months and as Mayor, I am pleased that Siliken has recognized our highly skilled workforce, competitive location, and overall value proposition in their decision to locate here. This investment and the creation of 175 direct jobs will continue to position our City and our region as Ontario's leader in solar equipment. We are proud to have Siliken now call Windsor home", said Windsor Mayor, Eddie Francis.

With this announcement, Siliken strengthens its global presence adding to existing operations in Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Greece, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United States. The new facility will be Siliken's second North American manufacturing facility, following the establishment of a facility in San Diego, California in 2008. The new facility will be capable of manufacturing 50 megawatts of solar modules a year while employing approximately 175 people.

Carlos Navarro, President and Co-founder of Siliken S.A. in Windsor for today's event said, "We are excited to make this announcement in Windsor. The support that we have received from the City of Windsor and the WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation made it the clear choice for Siliken's expansion into the Ontario marketplace. Mayor Francis's and Windsor City Council's leadership and vision in strategically working toward developing a clean energy manufacturing cluster made this important decision that much easier".

"Today's announcement highlights the success of Ontario's FIT program and its ability to attract leading, international manufacturers in the solar industry," said Sandra Pupatello, MPP for Windsor West and Minister of Economic Development and Trade. "We're thrilled that Siliken S.A. has chosen Ontario as its Canadian headquarters and I'm especially pleased that 175 new manufacturing jobs are coming to Windsor."

"Attracting investment like Siliken's manufacturing plant is precisely what the McGuinty government set out to do through the Green Energy Act and FIT program. Working together with companies like Siliken we are promoting renewable energy and made-in-Ontario technology, creating new jobs for Ontarians, and making our air cleaner for our kids and grandkids," said Brad Duguid, Ontario's Minister of Energy.

Ron Gaudet, CEO of the WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation (WEEDC) discussed the importance of this investment and its impact on the region's diversification efforts saying "Siliken's position as a global leader in solar technology is a recognition of our region's goal of becoming the site of choice for renewable energy investments in North America.  We are positioned to become the hub for renewable energy technology and manufacturing in North America."

About Siliken Group

Siliken is a group of companies specialized in the manufacture of modules, other PV components and in developing turn-key projects. The company is strongly involved in a vertical integration process and currently, it has a silicon and trichlorosilane purification plant. Siliken produces PV modules, power inverters, installation structures, electrical security panels, string monitors and other components. In addition, it operates in the wind sector and produces different models of low-power wind generators.

Siliken modules have the following quality certifications: TÜV Rheinland (Germany), UL (USA and Canada) and SGS ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. The modules go through severe quality controls to guarantee efficient, robust and lasting products as well as the fastest return on investment.

With this manufacturing plant Siliken will be able to offer high quality UL-certified modules to Canadian developers required to fulfill the Domestic Content Requirements stipulated in the FIT program.

ABOUT WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation (WEEDC) - The WEEDC provides valuable services to the Windsor-Essex Region by attracting new business, capital investment and other assessment and employment-creating enterprises. We strive to aid in the strengthening,  diversification and growth of existing business and maintain an attractive business and economic environment through constant contact with the appropriate government agencies and community groups to promote our region as a desirable location.  Please visit www.choosewindsoressex.com to learn more.

For further information:

Siliken S.A.
Paco Caudet, Project Manager, New Business Development
Siliken S.A. 
Valencia, Spain
Email: [email protected]
Phone: [phone]
Web: www.siliken.com

Carlos Arguedas, Sales Manager Canada
1 Yonge St., Suite 1801
Toronto, Ontario M5E 1W7 Canada
Email: [email protected]
Phone: [phone]
Web: www.siliken.com

WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation
Lana Drouillard, Director, Marketing/Communications
Email: [email protected]
Phone: [phone] X2223
Web: www.choosewindsoressex.com