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Governor Jan Brewer recently announced that Gestamp Solar Steel USA will base its United States headquarters in Surprise. Plans are underway to begin the construction of a solar component manufacturing facility, which is estimated to create 300 jobs at full build-out.
“Arizona is the place to be for renewable energy companies, and Gestamp Solar Steel’s decision to locate its U.S. headquarters here just solidifies our case,” said Governor Brewer. “We offer a highly-skilled workforce, competitive tax structure and a business-friendly approach at the state and local level that is helping us to secure new jobs and industry in a challenging economic environment.”
Gestamp Solar Steel was drawn to Arizona by the Governor’s Renewable Energy Tax Incentive Program, a favorable business climate and the state’s growing renewable energy market. The facility of Gestamp Solar Steel, a division of Gestamp Renewables and part of Corporación Gestamp, will support the development of large-scale solar energy projects nationwide. The facility will be constructed on 27 acres of land in the Skyway Business Park.
"Our strategic investment in Arizona represents an important milestone for Gestamp Renewables and follows our belief that the Southwestern U.S. will be the epicenter of large-scale solar energy development in North America for years to come,” said Jon Riberas, President & CEO of Gestamp Renewables. “We also believe that Gestamp Renewables is uniquely positioned to provide solar project developers with cost-effective structural solutions that embody advanced technology, the highest level of quality assurance and outstanding operational and logistical support."
“Surprise is the perfect fit for our company, meeting our needs with shovel-ready land complete with rail access,” said Riberas. “Our company delivers quality products that demand a quality workforce, and we found what we were looking for in Arizona. We are excited to be here.”
Operational by this summer, the first phase of the facility will encompass 75,000 square feet and employ 50 people. Gestamp Solar Steel expects to complete a phased expansion of the facility over time, with additional manufacturing capacity to accommodate development of projects for North America’s rapidly growing solar energy market. Once completed, Gestamp Solar Steel’s facility is expected to stretch across
300,000 square feet.
“The Arizona Commerce Authority is pleased that Gestamp Solar Steel will begin to support its global customers from this new manufacturing facility in Surprise,” said Don Cardon, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “As we look to the future, it is increasingly important that we continue to cultivate such investments in the renewable energy sector and help ensure job creation in this growing sector of the economy. The Commerce Authority will remain committed to our solar industry resources as we are confident that Arizona will continue to lead the nation as a renewable energy powerhouse.”
The City of Surprise will waive up to $400,000 in review fees and invest up to $1.4 million in public infrastructure for the project. Gestamp Solar Steel will have project office space at the city’s innovation center, the AZ TechCelerator, while its new facility is under construction.
“Gestamp Solar Steel represents the kind of high quality jobs our residents are looking for,” said Surprise City Manager Mark Coronado. “We could not ask for a better corporate citizen than Gestamp Solar Steel, a company with a solid reputation in the renewable energy industry. It is an historic day for Surprise.”
Governor Brewer joined City of Surprise officials and Gestamp Solar Steel executives in making the announcement. The event was hosted by the City of Surprise, the Governor’s Arizona Commerce Authority and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC).
“Since Governor Brewer signed the Renewable Energy Tax Incentive Program into law last year, we’ve seen several companies move to the Greater Phoenix area – proof positive that this economic development tool is working to increase jobs and attract foreign direct investment opportunities to the area,” said Barry Broome, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. “Arizona has become the country’s leader in terms of renewable energy, and we welcome Gestamp Solar Steel to this exclusive and growing network of the world’s largest renewable energy companies.”
About Gestamp Solar Steel
Gestamp Solar Steel (www.gestampsolarsteel.com), (GSS) is a division of Gestamp Renewables and part of Corporación Gestamp. Since its development, GSS has focused on providing structural solutions specific to each solar technology. GSS is actively involved in large-scale solar projects on a global basis.
About Gestamp Corporation and Gestamp Renewables
Corporación Gestamp (www.corporaciongestamp.com) is a privately-held, multinational leader in the steel components, automotive and renewable energy industries. Gestamp Renewables (www.gestampren.com), a division of Gestamp Corporation, is an industrial group that operates and supplies components within the renewable energy sector.
About The Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority is dedicated to creating quality jobs, encouraging the retention and expansion of business, and to advancing growth of the base industries critical to sustaining and progressing Arizona’s economic future. The ACA plays a leading role in promoting promising industries that will advance Arizona’s economy and global competitiveness in industries including solar, aerospace and defense, bioscience and technology. Learn more at www.azcommerce.com.
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