Mayor Chavez joined local leaders and representatives from SCHOTT for the breaking of ground for the company’s new manufacturing facility. The site, located in Mesa del Sol, will produce both photovoltaic (PV) modules and receivers for concentrated solar thermal power plants (CSP). Production is expected to begin as early as spring 2009.

The manufacturing facility will at first employ around 350 people, and will have about 200,000 square feet. SCHOTT Solar will invest approximately $100 million to start production in New Mexico.

“With the addition of Schott Solar, an internationally recognized leader in the alternative energy industry. Albuquerque continues to be the city that many national businesses and technology publications consider one of the best in the nation for business expansion and technology professionals,” said Mayor Chavez.