Heat Treat Industry News
December 02, 2009
Niagara Falls, NY, USA: Globe Specialty Metals Reopens Metallurgical Grade Silicon Plant
Globe Specialty Metals, a silicon manufacturer, has reopened its Niagara Falls plant, investing $27 million and creating 138 jobs as part of the first phase of a $60 million economic development project. The company has restarted its two furnaces and has upgraded the equipment used to produce approximately 30,000 tons of metallurgical grade silicon each year.
Governor Paterson made the announcement today at Globe’s Niagara Falls plant.
“During this difficult economic time, job creation and revitalizing the State’s economy are my top priorities,” Governor Paterson said. “With a talented workforce and high-tech companies like Globe Specialty Metals, which is helping us succeed in my 45 by 15 clean energy initiative, Western New York is positioned to lead the State into the new economy based on knowledge, innovation and technology. I am pleased to partner with Globe as it invests in Niagara Falls and in reopening its silicon manufacturing plant right here in Upstate New York.”
Jeff Bradley, CEO of Globe Specialty Metals, said: “This investment, especially at a time like this, demonstrates Globe’s confidence and optimism in the future and resilience of American manufacturing. The reopening of this facility would not have happened without the efforts made by the Governor of the State of New York, Empire State Development, New York Power Authority, Mayor Dyster and several local and state agencies, as well as the strong support received from the local community. This as an example of what can result from the collaborative work of various government, business and community organizations.”
Under the Governor’s leadership, Empire State Development (ESD) and the New York Power Authority (NYPA) created an economic development package in 2008 that provides Globe with 40 MW of hydropower over five years with a potential five-year expansion and up to $25 million in Empire Zone benefits for up to 10 years, subject to achieving specified employment and investment targets.
As part of the agreement, Globe will allow ESD to offer solar cell manufacturers up to 25 percent of Globe’s upgraded metallurgical grade silicon (UMG-Si) production at a reduced price as an incentive to locate to New York State. This agreement is designed to fuel the development of the clean energy industry in Western New York, bringing additional jobs and capital investment and providing a foundation for New York to become a leader in the solar use and production industry.
Globe’s initial investment of $27 million is part of the first phase of a two-phase project. A significant portion of the company’s capital investment is devoted to modernizing and improving emission controls equipment in order to meet or exceed all environmental standards. In addition, Globe has improved the appearance of the facility by demolishing old structures and removing unnecessary equipment. Phase II of the project will include the construction of a new 100,000-square-foot, $35 million facility in Niagara Falls to convert Globe’s metallurgical grade silicon into 4,000 tons of upgraded metallurgical grade silicon each year – enough to produce 500MW of solar power. The new facility will position Globe as the leader in research and innovative production of UMG-Si. The project is expected to create a total of 500 well-paying jobs in Niagara Falls.
“We also want to welcome back Globe’s workers and their union representatives from the United Steelworkers Union, who worked together with us to bring back former employees and find other solid candidates, many of whom formerly worked for manufacturers that recently downsized their workforce in the area,” Mr. Bradley added. “We expect that this reopening will send a message to the business community that Western New York is open for business and we hope that it will lead to an expansion of our business and bring additional skilled manufacturing jobs to the area.”
Globe Specialty Metals will manufacture purified silicon at their Niagara Falls plant, which is expected to help attract major solar panel manufacturers to the State and the region.
Dennis M. Mullen, Empire State Development Chairman & CEO, designate, said: “As we continue to advance Governor Paterson’s New Economy agenda, investment in technology and innovation will be the key to revitalizing the State and local economies. New York, and particularly Upstate New York, has a long, proud history of being a leader in manufacturing. Niagara Falls, as the Power City, has led the course in power-producing and low-cost hydropower for decades. As a result, there is tremendous capacity and infrastructure in this region to make it a leader in the new economy and the emerging CleanTech industry.”
Richard M. Kessel, President and Chief Executive Officer of the New York Power Authority, said: “This allocation to Globe Specialty Metals utilizes low-cost, renewable hydropower to support the growth of clean energy jobs in New York State and is critical to building the State’s solar industry and kick-starting the resurgence of the Western New York economy. Under the leadership of Governor Paterson, the New York Power Authority will continue its commitment to advancing the growth of the state’s solar industry through this project as well as our Statewide 100 MW Solar project and photovoltaic projects with the University of Buffalo and the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority.”
Earlier this year, Oregon-based SpectraWatt Inc., a manufacturer and supplier of solar cells, established its first factory at the Hudson Valley Research Park in Hopewell Junction in Dutchess County after receiving an option to purchase 200 metric tons of Globe’s silicon per year. As part of that agreement, SpectraWatt will hire 161 employees and invest over $80 million in its new facility.
Globe has major manufacturing facilities in New York, Ohio, West Virginia, Alabama, Argentina and China, with the company’s headquarters located in New York City. Principal operating subsidiaries are Globe Metallurgical, Inc., and Solsil, Inc., in the U.S.; Globe Metales S.A. in Argentina; and Ningxia Yonvey Coal Industry Co., Ltd., in China. Collectively, Globe’s facilities have the capacity to produce approximately 110,000 metric tons of silicon metal and 72,800 metric tons of silicon-based alloy products on an annual basis.
SOURCE: http://www.solarbuzz.com/News/
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