News Article
Silfab Starts In Ontario
Silfab Ontario starts production of its solar module manufacturing
An initiative launched only last June is now already a reality. Silfab Ontario Inc., a subsidiary of Silfab SpA (Italy), has cut the ribbon at its new plant in Mississauga-Ontario to manufacture high efficiency solar modules in compliance with the domestic content requirements of the Ontario Feed In Tariff program. It was an Italian-styled grand opening celebration that included a major funding announcement by the Province of Ontario.
Under the banner “Just born and already 30”, the celebration's recognized not only the grand opening but also the 30 years of Photovoltaic experience of Franco Traverso, President and CEO of Silfab and pioneer of PV in Italy since 1981. The Silfab solar modules, in mono and multi-crystalline silicon, inherits manufacturing excellence that guarantees quality, reliability and durability.
The grand opening drew over 250 guests from Italy and Canada and included several distinguished politicians: the Honourable Sandra Pupatello Minister of Economic Development and Trade, the Honourable Amrit Mangat Member for Provincial Parliament for Mississauga-Brampton South and the Mayor of Mississauga, Her Worship Hazel McCallion, as well as Gianni Bardini, the Italian Consul General.
Minister Sandra Pupatello announced that the province has approved a € 2,2 million loan to the company to support the first 60 MW of production. The loan to Silfab was approved after a rigorous due diligence examination by the Provincial government. Silfab will invest approximately € 10 Million for the first 60 MW of plant production in Ontario, and has already initiated a further expansion of that capacity.
By mid 2011, the plant will produce 370 000 modules per year, with the potential to achieve 180 MW of modules, all optimized to have an elevated cell utilization yield over 99%. At full capacity, the plant will employ 200 people. Silfab Ontario Inc. will distribute its Ontario-made solar panels throughout North America.
