Solar Technology Company to Bring 500 Jobs, $96M in Gwinnett Expansion

A Norcross-based solar technology company will expand its facilities and create up to 500 jobs in Gwinnett County, Gov. Nathan Deal announced Wednesday.

Suniva, Inc., a leading manufacturer of high-efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells and modules, will invest $96 million in the expansion. The company’s headquarters are located at 5765 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard.

“We welcome Suniva’s continued growth in Gwinnett County and feel that the Quick Start program and Georgia’s economic environment will be of major benefit to the growing company,” Deal said in a news release. “Suniva’s growth from a Georgia Tech start-up to a top manufacturing company demonstrates that STEM fields continue to provide one of Georgia’s richest sources of employment and economic growth. Georgia’s universities are equipped with incredible research potential and Suniva’s success speaks to the potential of both Georgia’s businesses and students.”

When operating at full capacity, the expanded Norcross facility will create up to 500 jobs, the news release stated.

The expansion will enable the company increase its production of solar cells to meet increasing demands. New jobs expected include management, administrative, supervisory and production positions, the company said.

“On behalf of the City of Norcross, I am pleased that Suniva, Inc. has chosen to expand their business in our thriving corporate community,” Norcross Mayor Bucky Johnson said in a statement. “We are both humbled and honored that this widely respected and rapidly rising manufacturer of high-efficiency solar products chose Norcross to create 500 new jobs and provide a positive economic impact on our city. As member of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Green Communities program, a clean energy company like Suniva proves an ideal fit for the City of Norcross.”

“High demand for our products continues to validate that as the U.S. solar market matures, sophisticated buyers are increasingly valuing power density and quality,” said John Baumstark, chairman and chief executive officer of Suniva. “We are proud that the best American-made solar technology originated in Georgia, and are very pleased that we are able to continue our growth, here where we started.”

About Suniva Inc.

Suniva is the leading American manufacturer of high-efficiency crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) solar cells and high-power solar modules. The company is known for its high-quality products, industry-leading technology, reliability and high power density. Headquartered in metro Atlanta, and with manufacturing facilities in Georgia and Michigan, Suniva sells its advanced PV modules globally. For additional information on how Suniva is making solar sensible, visit www.suniva.com. (from Suniva)

“This expansion confirms and enhances Gwinnett’s reputation as a hub for research, development and technology in the Southeast,” Gwinnett County Board of Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash said in a statement. “Suniva remains an important contributor to the technology industry in our region and we are grateful for their decision to remain and grow in Gwinnett.”