German Company Plans Solar Factory In Albuquerque

SANTA FE, N.M.(AP) – A German company is opening a factory in the Albuquerque area that will manufacture solar energy equipment.

Schott AG of Mainz, Germany, will break ground on the factory next month. The plant is to open in early 2009 and will initially employ about 350 people and could eventually expand to 1,500 jobs.

Gov. Bill Richardson has announced the company’s move to New Mexico. U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman and Congresswoman Heather Wilson were among the officials at the announcement.

The factory will manufacture solar cells, which convert solar energy into electricity, and receivers used in concentrated solar thermal plants.

Mirrors focus the sun’s rays onto the receivers. The factory will be at Mesa Del Sol south of Albuquerque’s international airport

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)