JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. (WDRB) -- A new $800 million solar cell manufacturing facility is moving into southern Indiana.

In a news release Monday, Gov. Eric Holcomb announced that Canadian Solar plans to build a new plant at the River Ridge Commerce Center in Jeffersonville. The plant will bring 1,200 jobs over the next several years. It's the company's second plant in the U.S.

Production is expected to begin by the end of 2025 on solar photovoltaic (PV) cells to supply the company's new module assembly facility announced earlier this year in Texas.

The plant will bring 1,200 jobs over the next several years.

"Establishing this factory is a key milestone that will enable us to better serve our U.S. customers with the most advanced technology in the industry," Dr. Shawn Qu, founder and CEO of Canadian Solar, said in a news release. "This is the second of the anticipated long-term investments we expect to make in the U.S. as we think strategically about a sustainable and resilient clean energy supply chain."

Holcomb said in a statement that Canadian Solar's decision to build in Jeffersonville spotlights Indiana's skilled workforce.

"Indiana's strong advanced manufacturing sector positions the state to help lead the global energy transition, developing and powering new solutions in batteries, solar and hydrogen," he said.

Canadian Solar plans to begin hiring for new positions in mid-2024 and will ramp up hiring in early-2025 to fully staff the Jeffersonville plant. The company also owns facilities in Canada, China, Brazil, Vietnam and Thailand.

Jeffersonville Mayor Mike Moore said the facility will be one of the biggest employers in the area, and it will employ 150 engineers, when it reaches full production.

"We're not just competing for Southern Indiana companies. If you are going to do that, you're going to lose, you're going to fall behind," Moore said. 

The facility will use about 2 million gallons of water a day - something River Ridge can handle after water system upgrades.

"Being able to supply the water without any questions asked - that is a huge component for us as well," said River Ridge Development Authority Executive Director Jerry Acy. 

Canadian Solar will get up to $9.7 million in conditional tax credits and up to $400,000 in conditional training grants, according to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. The City of Jeffersonville and the River Ridge Development Authority offered additional incentives.

Canadian Solar was founded in 2001 in Canada and is one of the world's largest solar technology and renewable energy companies. To learn more, click here www.canadiansolar.com.

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