Greenwood County Welcomes New Solar Cell Manufacturing Facility

News Summary

Greenwood County celebrated the grand opening of ES Foundry’s new crystalline silicon solar cell manufacturing facility on February 2, 2025. This marks a significant economic milestone as the facility is set to become the largest of its kind in the U.S. It is expected to create over 500 jobs locally, supporting the community’s growth and sustainability goals. The event was attended by local officials and community leaders, highlighting the positive impact of this initiative on the local economy and renewable energy sector.

Greenwood County Shines with New Solar Cell Manufacturing Facility

Greenwood County, known for its strong community spirit and burgeoning economy, celebrated a significant milestone on February 2, 2025, as ES Foundry officially opened the doors to what is set to become the largest crystalline silicon solar cell manufacturing facility in the United States. This exciting event took place at the former Fujifilm site conveniently located off Highway 246.

A Grand Celebration

The grand opening was a lively affair, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony that brought together important community figures, including local government representatives and company executives. Greenwood Mayor Brandon Smith, along with state Representative John McCravy and Greenwood County Council Vice Chairman Dayne Pruitt, joined ES Foundry CEO Alex Zhu in marking this auspicious occasion. The atmosphere was buzzing with enthusiasm as attendees acknowledged the promising future that this facility could bring.

Jobs Galore!

One of the most exciting aspects of this new facility is its commitment to creating jobs for the local community. ES Foundry plans to hire over 500 workers by the third quarter of 2025, positioning itself as one of the largest employers in the county. Currently, they have already brought on approximately 125 employees, and the hiring is just getting started! Community leaders, emphasizing the project’s potential, see it as a fantastic opportunity for economic growth and sustainable job creation.

Innovation and Competitiveness

The launch of this facility underscores a broader movement towards innovation, determination, and enhancing America’s capacity in the global manufacturing arena. The establishment of ES Foundry is a strategic investment that plays into the goals outlined in the Inflation Reduction Act, aimed at boosting American solar manufacturing.

Revitalizing the Local Economy

This new facility not only focuses on solar cell production but also plays a crucial part in revitalizing the former Fujifilm campus, thus promoting sustainable industry growth in Greenwood. With a focus on supplying solar cell components to module manufacturers, the facility expects to have a significant economic impact, creating numerous jobs and increasing local spending. The prospects for Greenwood County seem bright!

A Supportive Environment for Business

South Carolina’s business-friendly climate played a significant role in attracting ES Foundry to the area. Low taxes and a ready workforce are just a couple of reasons why this location was chosen for such an important initiative. Community members and officials have expressed optimism about the long-term benefits this project will bring, including enhanced job opportunities and economic stability.

Construction Boom

In preparation for this grand facility, extensive demolition and reconstruction work took place, creating over 200 construction jobs, mainly through local contractors. The facility is designed to manufacture high-quality crystalline bifacial PERC solar cells. It began production in January 2025 and has already secured its first multi-year contract with a leading solar module manufacturer.

Looking Ahead

As ES Foundry embarks on its journey, there is a noticeable need for additional positions, particularly maintenance technicians and warehouse logistics technicians. The company is set to bolster the domestic solar supply chain and reduce the dependency on imported solar cells, reflecting a wave of optimism for the industry.

A Brighter Future for Greenwood County

With the ES Foundry now firmly established in Greenwood County, the future looks very promising. Community leaders are hopeful that the infrastructure created will lead to even more opportunities down the line, paving the way for economic development and sustainable growth. This is a transformative moment for Greenwood, as it steps into a new era of renewable energy manufacturing.

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Additional Resources

• Index Journal: ES Foundry Positions Greenwood County
• Wikipedia: Solar Power in the United States
• PR Newswire: ES Foundry Secures Contract
• Google Search: Solar Cell Manufacturing
• Index Journal: $62M Solar Farm Coming to Greenwood County
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Renewable Energy
• PV Magazine: Australian University Testing Agrivoltaic System
• Google News: Sustainable Energy Jobs
• Index Journal: ES Foundry Launches Operations