In a notable move for North Carolina's clean energy sector, Canadian company Opsun Corporation has announced a $9.3 million investment to establish its first U.S. manufacturing operation in High Point. According to a statement from Governor Josh Stein on North Carolina Office of the Governor website, the project is expected to create 20 new jobs in Guilford County, contributing to the region's economy and expanding the area's role in the renewable energy industry.
Opsun Corporation, known for designing and manufacturing mounting structures for solar panels, will be joining North Carolina's thriving manufacturing workforce. "Our skilled workforce, commitment to sustainability, and convenient East Coast location continues to attract global manufacturers like Opsun Corporation. I am proud of North Carolina’s continued commitment to our clean energy economy, and I am excited to welcome Opsun to our state," Governor Stein told his office's press release. The state's access to a consumer base of over 170 million people within a day's drive makes it an optimal choice for Opsun's expansion plans.
The company's decision to build in North Carolina is also financially stimulated by a performance-based grant of $40,000 from the One North Carolina Fund. Opsun will receive this grant help after meeting job creation and capital investment targets, with the stipulation of matching participation from local governments.
François Gilles-Gagnon, President of Opsun Corporation, highlighted the strategic move saying, “This new facility will be a key to Opsun’s growth in the USA, and together with our North Carolina workforce and local suppliers, we will help drive the growth of solar installations across the state and throughout the United States. Opsun always sourced all components in North America and this new U.S. facility reinforces our commitment for domestically made, high performance solar mounting systems," as quoted in the same release. The facility is not only a job creator, with an average salary of $63,015 for the new positions, it also fosters a sustainable energy future for the U.S., adhering to Opsun's commitment to renewable energy and American manufacturing.
Support for the project comes from a variety of local and state entities, including the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. N.C. Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, touting the local manufacturing workforce, told that "these new jobs are a great addition to Guilford County and the entire state of North Carolina" in the press release by Governor Stein's office. Guilford Technical Community College and GuilfordWorks are among the other partners involved in ensuring Opsun's successful integration into the area's economy.
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