Governor Pat McCrory, North Carolina Commerce Secretary John E. Skvarla, III, and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) announced the arrival of SWELECT Energy Systems LLC to Halifax County. The company intends to build a 155-person workforce over the coming five years, investing more than $4.7 million in a manufacturing site and adjacent solar farm.
“This announcement is another example of North Carolina’s competitive business climate, talented workforce and strong economic comeback, especially in manufacturing,” said Governor McCrory. “SWELECT also fits in to our all-of-the-above energy strategy to contribute to our country’s energy independence and create jobs in North Carolina.”
The company is the U.S. unit of SWELECT Energy Systems Limited, a leading name in power electronics and renewable energy based in Mylapore, India. The publicly-held parent company (NSE: SWELECTES) has installed more than 1,700 solar farms since its founding in 1983. Its buyers include major corporations seeking to adopt solar energy systems into their operations.
“SWELECT’s choice of Halifax County highlights all the factors that have made North Carolina the Southeast’s No. 1 state for manufacturing jobs,” said Secretary Skvarla. “A competitive cost-structure, highly productive workers and ease of access to North American markets all will play a part in this company’s success.”
SWELECT Energy will hire 155 workers at its Halifax operations. Positions will include skilled operators, quality control specialists, logistics personnel and others. Annual salaries will vary by position but will average at least $30,419. Overall wages in Halifax County currently average $30,395 per year.
“Producing modules at the Halifax County facility allows us to help North Carolina meet its renewable energy goals and further support the U.S. market,” said R. Chellepan, SWELECT’s managing director. “Our partnership with North Carolina and Halifax County presents the opportunity for SWELECT to leverage 30 years of world class experience in solar manufacturing. We are delighted that our products will be ‘Made in the USA.’”
The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant of up to $600,000 from the One North Carolina Fund. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds. One NC grants also require and are contingent on financial matches from local governments.
“Halifax County welcomes this leading-edge alternative energy company,” said N.C. Senator Angela Bryant. “We look forward to SWELECT Energy Systems becoming a valued member of our business community.”
“Congratulations to this global manufacturer of solar equipment on its choice of Halifax County for this exciting investment,” said N.C. Rep. Michael Wray. “I am proud of the collaboration between our local and state economic development organizations and educational and utility partners for bringing this significant opportunity to us.”
Joining EDPNC and N.C. Commerce in supporting SWELECT’s new location are the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, Halifax County, Halifax County Business Horizons and Roanoke Electric Membership Corporation.
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