Area Development
SAGE Electrochromics Inc. announced this week that it will build a 250,000 square foot, $110 million manufacturing plant next to its existing Faribault, Minn. headquarters.  The expansion will add 160 green manufacturing and technology jobs to Southern Minnesota, along with 200 construction jobs.

"It makes good strategic sense for SAGE to expand in Minnesota," said founder and CEO John Van Dine.  "State and local officials understand the needs of our business, and were very cooperative in helping us lay this foundation for our future."

The company produces energy saving and electronically tinted glass windows.  The eco-friendly windows regulate sunlight, heat and glare automatically and via electronic controls.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) led coordination between the company and local business partners.  SAGE recently secured more than $100 million in funding, plus a conditional $72 million loan guarantee from the US Department of Energy, and $31 million in Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credits.