THOMAS TOWNSHIP, SAGINAW COUNTY -- The US Department of Energy has allowed for a big step towards job creation in the Saginaw Valley. The solar energy firm Suniva Inc. out of Georgia has been guaranteed a $141 million loan to help finance a $250 million facility in near M-46 and M-52 in Thomas Township, which will employ about 500 people. Officials with Saginaw Future Inc. told NBC25 another 2,000 people will be indirectly employed in jobs relating to services and sales. Suniva is involved in the production of solar shingles.
“It’s approximately $53 million in annual economic impact, so it’s significant to the area,” said Saginaw Future Inc. President Joann Crary. Her organization is made up of about 16 local governments, as well as private-sector business partners with the goal of enhancing the economic profile of the region.
Suniva will contribute to the well-documented alternative energy industry in Saginaw County, joining firms such as Dow Corning, Hemlock Semiconductor, and GlobalWatt, which is planning a multi-million dollar expansion as well as a reported partnership with Saginaw Valley State University.
Suniva announced intentions to build its second plant in Thomas Township last October. The first one is in Norcross Georgia.
On the Net: http://www.suniva.com
