Energy for the future

SCHOTT brings an initial 350 jobs and as many as 1,500 jobs when all phases of the plant are complete. The worldwide company will produce critical components for solar thermal receivers and photovoltaic (PV) panels. SCHOTT is the second solar manufacturer to join the Mesa del Sol renewable energy cluster. This will be the company's largest facility in the U.S.

"One of the top solar companies in the world has decided that Mesa del Sol is the best place to build and staff their new manufacturing plant," Daly said. "This announcement demonstrates that Mesa del Sol is successfully continuing its economic development commitments and that Mesa del Sol is focused on creating high-value jobs."

Plans call for an initial $100 million investment. Construction on the first phase of the project is set to begin in a few weeks, with production expected to begin in Spring 2009.

"I am committed to making New Mexico a clean energy state," said Gov. Bill Richardson. "I am pleased SCHOTT is opening a factory and bringing more alternative clean energy development to the state."

"SCHOTT is another example of Mesa del Sol's successful economic development strategic approach to attract businesses and jobs to New Mexico," said Daly, adding, "Key to SCHOTT's selection of Mesa del Sol is the high level of commitment by the city, county and state; the site's proximity to one of the leading research centers for solar energy, Sandia National Laboratories; New Mexico's geographic proximity to key solar photovoltaic module and to concentrated solar power (CSP) markets of the Southwest and also, the state's supportive business climate."

Daly said SCHOTT's selection of Mesa del Sol is also the result of coordinated strategic efforts and leadership by the State of New Mexico, City of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, New Mexico's congressional delegation, local economic development leaders, UNM, CNM, PNM, New Mexico State Land Office, Sandia National Laboratories, industry leaders and the economic development team at Mesa del Sol and Forest City.

"This type of strong collaborative economic development effort now underway in New Mexico is laying the groundwork for future success and positioning the region to not only sustain itself, but also grow and thrive," said Daly. "The team went head to head with other U.S. cities to attract and bring SCHOTT to Albuquerque.

"SCHOTT is a major addition to the creation of a solar industry cluster in New Mexico," said Daly adding, "It is exactly the type of renewable energy operations New Mexico is committed to attracting to the state. New Mexico has long been known as the oil and gas "energy state," but with the location of companies such as Advent Solar and SCHOTT, the state is transitioning into a renewable energy state.

Bringing SCHOTT to New Mexico will encourage solar energy production in our state and entice other alternative energy manufacturers and their suppliers to locate their operations at Mesa del Sol."

Daly also singled out PNM for recognition during the announcement saying, "PNM continues to be key to the economic growth of our state by making investments in the vital infrastructure needed to attract these types of industries."

"SCHOTT's decision to manufacture in New Mexico helps place the state at the center of this renewable energy revolution we have been driving. Schott's products will help reduce our nation's reliance on fossil fuels, and will reduce green house gas emissions that cause global warming. SCHOTT's creation of new jobs will be a great boost to our growing economy," said U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM).

"Welcoming SCHOTT Solar to New Mexico is yet another piece in making Mesa del Sol a successful community and an important part of Albuquerque's future," said Rep. Heather Wilson, (R-NM) who was key in securing $10 million in funding to build a new I-25 interchange near Mesa del Sol. "Attracting business and homeowners to Mesa del Sol will require that it has excellent infrastructure, including roads, water and schools."

Mayor Martin J. Chavez declared, "This is a great day for Albuquerque, with the addition of SCHOTT Solar, an internationally recognized leader in the alternative energy industry. Albuquerque continues to be the city that many national business and technology publications consider one of the best in the nation for business expansion and technology professionals." Chavez stated, "Sustainable energy is at the forefront of my administrative priorities, and companies like SCHOTT strengthen our community's position as a national model in the development of leading-edge 'green collar' jobs."

SCHOTT is a privately held, 120-year old company that is a world leader in high-tech glass and glass-ceramics. SCHOTT is one of the largest solar manufacturers in the world, with operations in 41 countries and almost 17,000 employees. It is only one of two companies worldwide that manufactures solar receiver tubes, which are the most critical component of concentrated solar plants. The company has sales of approximately $3 billion.