Saint-Gobain investing US$30 million in solar products

Polymer manufacturer Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corp. is investing US$30 million to create a space at its Worcester plant for the production of plastic materials used as components in flexible and rigid solar modules.

“Renewable energy is a priority for Saint-Gobain. We are investing to ensure that our manufacturing capabilities grow to meet the needs of this expanding market, and of the solar energy market in particular,” said Julia DiCorleto, director of photovoltaics for the Worcester, Mass.-based company.

According to the DiCorleto, the first phase of the project is scheduled to begin this summer and will include the conversion of 30,000 square feet of warehouse space. It will be converted to space for new manufacturing lines, new offices and storage space and other site improvements.

Engineering work already is under way and the new lines could be operational by early fall.

Saint-Gobain expects to create 50 new jobs by 2011, depending on market conditions, DiCorletto said. The company currently has 57 employees at the Plantation Street site.

DiCorleto also said that Worcester was chosen based on the region’s infrastructure, access to a skilled and motivated workforce and a positive relationship with city and state officials who want more “green” jobs.

The site also is close to the company’s state-of-the-art research and development centre in Northborough, currently undergoing a US$15 million expansion.