Solar manufacturer establishes ‘flagship’ plant with $150M investment in Fort Mill

A North American solar panel manufacturer says it will create 800 new jobs in York County with a $150 million investment to establish what it calls “flagship” operations for the eastern part of the United States.

Silfab Solar has operations in Bellingham and Burlington, Wash., and Toronto, Canada. Silfab has been in the solar business for more than 40 years, the company said in a news release from the state Commerce Department.

Silfab Solar designs, engineers and manufactures its own premium brand of high-efficiency solar panels for residential and commercial use.

“Silfab Solar’s investment in South Carolina strengthens our North America manufacturing capabilities, creates good-paying jobs and provides the ideal East Coast location to serve our growing customers,” CEO Paolo Maccario said in the news release. “We look forward to expanding our industry-leading position for made-in-America solar. The company specifically chose York County as the ideal location to expand because of the community’s commitment to innovation, its quality of life and the availability of a skilled workforce. Silfab Solar looks forward to hiring and to begin production of next-generation solar modules.”

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The company is leasing a 785,000-square-foot building at 7149 Logistics Lane in Fort Mill for a facility that will manufacture the next-generation solar cell technology and boost U.S solar cell production, the release said. 

“Silfab Solar selecting York County for a project that requires a highly skilled workforce shows that our workforce development investments are paying off in a big way,” Gov. Henry McMaster said in the release. “Our people are South Carolina’s greatest resource, and we are confident they will help Silfab Solar thrive in its latest venture. Congratulations to Silfab Solar on this project and welcome to South Carolina.” 
Operations are expected to be online in the third quarter of 2024. Jobs are posted online.

“With an established West Coast presence, we are delighted that Silfab Solar chose South Carolina for its new, East Coast operations,” Commerce Secretary Harry M. Lightsey III said in the release. “Our state is proud to be a proven destination for growing companies seeking long-term success. Silfab Solar’s 800 new jobs represent incredible opportunities for York County and beyond.”

The Commerce Department’s Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job develoment credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $2 million Set-Aside grant to York County to assist with the costs of building improvements.