This is what I like to see, JOBS. Yes and more alternative energy companies here in the valley. Not only is this company setting up their US headquarters here, but they are manufacturing too! This is all thanks to the stimulus money that is not paying for but is guaranteeing the funding for the Solano Generating Station in Gila Bend.
Another fantastic fact is that commercial construction will be stimulated as they build the 130,000 square foot building. Plus this is a $50 million capital investment in the west side, congratulations Surprise, AZ!
Solar plant setting up in Surprise
by Dustin Gardiner – Aug. 12, 2010 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic
Rioglass Solar is the latest green energy-equipment manufacturer attracted to Arizona by economic incentives.
The Spain-based company announced Wednesday that it will build its U.S. headquarters and plant in Surprise, bringing at least 100 jobs and about $50 million in capital investment to the West Valley city. A second phase could bring roughly an additional 100 jobs and $45 million in investment, officials said.
Rioglass’ decision to build a factory in Surprise was padded by tax incentives from the federal government and an infrastructure investment package from the city.
The company is one of six large-scale solar-equipment manufacturers recently awarded federal tax breaks to create manufacturing jobs in the Phoenix area. It received $10.6 million in tax incentives as part of President Barack Obama’s Recovery Act.
In total, $30 million in stimulus funds has been earmarked for solar-equipment companies to create jobs in metro Phoenix. The federal tax credits reflect 30 percent of a company’s investment in new or expanded factories.
“I know this is just the first of what I hope will be many new jobs for Arizona,” Gov. Jan Brewer said during a crowded news conference Wednesday at Surprise City Hall. “These are the pillars as we rebuild Arizona’s economy.”
Flanked by Rioglass Chief Executive Officer José Villanueva and city leaders, Brewer said the move is a step toward making Arizona the “solar capital of the world,” while crediting the state’s tax-incentive program for luring the project.
Barry Broome, president of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, said Surprise likely scored the facility because it was aggressive in offering infrastructure upgrades, including $865,000 for a rail line and electrical needs.
In addition, the city waived $290,000 in review and public infrastructure fees and will provide Rioglass with project office space at the city’s incubator for small and high-tech businesses, known as the AZ TechCelerator.
Rioglass Solar, a subsidiary of the Rioglass Group, makes large curved reflector mirrors used in solar-power stations. Its 130,000-square-foot building would double as its U.S. administrative headquarters and a manufacturing plant.
The announcement is a major win for Surprise, which has long struggled to attract high-paying jobs. City leaders hope the area will eventually become a hub for solar-equipment manufacturing and other tech industries in the Valley.
Mirrors manufactured at the Surprise facility will be used at Abengoa Solar’s Solana Generating Station, which is to be constructed near Gila Bend. Electricity generated by the plant will be bought by Arizona Public Service Co. and could generate enough power for 70,000 homes.
Construction on the Surprise facility is scheduled to begin later this year and should be completed sometime in 2011. Plans for a potential expansion are already in the works and could double the size of the plant, officials said.
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