News
For Immediate Release
Mississauga
04/18/2011
Solar Energy Company Turning The Corner Into Ontario: McGuinty Government Helps Create Up To 200 New Jobs In Mississauga
NEWS
Ontario is investing in a new solar manufacturing plant that is creating 71 new jobs in Mississauga. The plant will employ up to 200 people at full capacity and distribute solar panels across North America.
Silfab Ontario Inc. has made a significant investment in Ontario and is now producing high-efficiency solar panels. The Italy-based company was attracted to Ontario by the province’s vibrant clean energy economy and made Ontario their first and only plant in North America.
Ontario is on track to eliminate coal-fired power by the end of 2014 and move to an electricity system that is clean, modern and reliable using renewable sources of power – like wind and solar. Ontario is quickly becoming a world leader in clean energy.
The province currently has more than 200 megawatts of solar capacity connected from over 4,600 solar projects – enough electricity to power over 30,000 homes.
Attracting clean energy investments is a key component of the plan laid out in Ontario’s 2011 Budget – Turning the Corner – to create and support 10,000 new and existing jobs for Ontario families and strengthen local economies.
QUOTES
“As our economy continues to turn the corner, Silfab’s investment is just the latest endorsement of Ontario’s strength as a global leader in clean energy. With its skilled workforce, forward-looking renewable energy policies and efficient access to North American markets, Ontario is the natural location as the continent’s clean technology manufacturing hub.”
― Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Economic Development and Trade
“Silfab joins more than 30 clean energy manufacturers investing in Ontario. This plant is now part of an impressive and growing list of companies that are building or expanding their operations here in Ontario, bringing good jobs and investments to Ontario communities and families.”
― Brad Duguid, Minister of Energy
“This is terrific news for Mississauga families and Ontario’s growing clean energy sector. Today’s announcement is helping our region turn the corner, growing our local economy, creating good jobs, and protecting our environment.”
― Amrit Mangat, MPP for Mississauga-Brampton South
“I inaugurated in Italy, exactly 30 years ago, a company that marked the start of the photovoltaic industry in my country and I now find myself doing the same here. No greater satisfaction could exist for me than seeing the fruits of the know-how acquired over time that will now help the development of solar in the province of Ontario.”
― Franco Traverso, CEO, Silfab Ontario Inc.
QUICK FACTS
- Silfab Ontario is investing nearly $13.5 million in the project, including a $3.3 million loan from the province.
- Since the Green Energy Act was proclaimed in September 2009, more than 30 clean energy manufacturers have announced plans to set up or expand operations in Ontario.
- Ontario has more solar power capacity online than any other jurisdiction in Canada is among the top 10 jurisdictions in North America.
- So far, Ontario has recovered 93 per cent of the jobs lost in the recession.
- As a result of the tax changes implemented in Ontario, taxes on business investment were cut in half, making Ontario more competitive and encouraging business growth.
LEARN MORE
- See how Ontario's Budget 2011 is supporting job creation and helping the province's economy to turn the corner.
- Learn more about solar energy.
For more information:
Leigh-Ann Popek
Minister's Office
416-325-0362
Neil Trotter
Communications Branch
416-325-6716
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