GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES SENCERA INTERNATIONAL TO ADD 65 JOBS IN CHARLOTTE
One N.C. Fund Grant Helps Bring $36.8 Million Investment To Mecklenburg County
Gov. Mike Easley announced that Sencera International Corp., which develops, manufactures and distributes thin-film solar panels, is expanding in Mecklenburg County. The company plans to invest $36.8 million to build a solar module factory, creating 65 jobs during the next three years. The project was made possible in part by a $62,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.
“North Carolina is becoming a leader in the emerging green technology economy,” said Easley. “Our knowledge-based workforce, top-ranked business climate and high quality of life continue to attract growing companies such as Sencera that work on projects and products that will benefit our state and our environment.”
Charlotte-based Sencera develops and manufactures silicon thin-film solar modules, which are used to generate electricity for residential, commercial and utility-scale applications. The company, with 10 employees, is planning to construct its first factory to produce thin-film solar cells that will be assembled into photovoltaic modules. Sencera's headquarters and present operations will also be located in the new facility, one-half mile north of the Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Salaries for the 65 new positions will vary by job type, but the average annual wage will be $73,462 not including benefits, which is more than the Mecklenburg County average annual wage of $48,724.
“Sencera is honored by the demonstration of support from the One North Carolina Fund and the state of North Carolina,” said Sencera CEO Rusty Jewett. “The cost of electricity generated by solar panels has been decreasing more than 5 percent every year, which has resulted in an emerging industry growing close to 50 percent annually. At our new facility in Charlotte, Sencera will be able to manufacture solar panels that generate electricity at a cost that is competitive with power from natural gas, coal and nuclear power but without carbon emissions or waste disposal concerns.”
The One North Carolina Fund assists the state in industry recruitment and expansion by providing financial assistance to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. One North Carolina Fund grants require and are contingent upon local matching funds. Through the use of this fund, more than 30,000 jobs and $6 billion in investment have been created since 2001.
Other partners that helped make this announcement possible include the N.C. Department of Commerce, Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Duke Energy and the Charlotte Regional Partnership.
For more information about Sencera, including employment opportunities, visit the company’s web site at www.sencera.com.
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