Wacker Chemie AG of Munich, Germany, has announced plans to build a $1 billion manufacturing facility in Cleveland, Tenn., that is expected to create more than 500 new jobs in the region.
The plant will produce hyperpure polycrystalline silicon, a primary component used in the manufacture of solar panels and semiconductors. Wacker has manufactured polysilicon for over 50 years and is currently the world’s second-largest producer of hyperpure polycrystalline silicon.
“We expect polysilicon demand from the solar and semiconductor industries to further increase in the coming years,” said Dr. Rudolph Staudigl, president and CEO of Wacker Chemie. “Purchasing this site is an essential prerequisite to quickly build up additional production capacities outside the euro zone in line with projected market trends and growth in demand.”
The facility will be located on a 550-acre greenfield site near the Hiwassee Industrial Park.
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