Global mechanical engineering company Meyer Burger Technology AG is establishing a production site for high-performance solar modules in Goodyear, Arizona. The project is expected to create 250 jobs, and over 500 jobs at full capacity.

To support the U.S. clean energy transition, the company will build its first manufacturing facility outside of Europe. Production is expected to be operational by the end of 2022. Meyer Burger has entered into a lease as the first tenant of a recently constructed new building at market conditions.

"Meyer Burger is thrilled to be establishing roots in Arizona and expanding our footprint to the United States,” said Gunter Erfurt, CEO, Meyer Burger. “My sincere thanks to our partners in Arizona for their support throughout this process. Solar energy will be critical to achieving U.S. and global clean energy goals, and our proprietary heterojunction cell technology and patented SmartWire module technology enable us to produce products of the highest quality and performance in order to offer our customers economically competitive solar components."

Initial annual production capacity of the facility will be 400 MW and will include capabilities to manufacture solar modules for residential, commercial/industrial rooftop, and utility-scale applications.

“We are excited to welcome Meyer Burger’s sustainable manufacturing facility to Goodyear,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA). “As a national leader in solar power, we are grateful Meyer Burger has chosen to invest in Goodyear, creating hundreds of skilled jobs for residents. We look forward to supporting Meyer Burger as they become part of our thriving renewable energy and manufacturing industries.”

Meyer Burger was founded in 1953 in Switzerland. As a provider of production systems, the company has shaped the development of the global photovoltaic industry along the entire value chain in recent decades and has set essential industry standards. A large part of the solar modules produced worldwide today are based on technologies developed by Meyer Burger. The company currently employs around 800 people at research facilities in Switzerland, development and manufacturing sites in Germany and sales offices in Europe, the USA and Asia.

“By bringing advanced manufacturing sector jobs and the company’s North American headquarters to Greater Phoenix, Meyer Burger will create invaluable employment opportunities and environmental progress,” said Chris Camacho, President and CEO, GPEC. “This region is poised to be a global leader in these critical sectors, and we are excited to welcome a sustainability innovator to the market.”

According to the Arizona Commerce Authority, the investment is an important step in meeting Meyer Burger’s commitments to produce modules near end-customers, source material from regional suppliers, and improve overall sustainability by reducing transportation emissions and optimizing the carbon footprint of the company’s solar modules. The facility will provide flexibility, ease of access, and resilience for customers in the growing North American market.