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500 New “Green Collar”
Manufacturing Jobs Coming to Niagara Falls
New Facility Will Help Attract Additional
High-Tech Jobs
Major Economic Development Positions
Western New York as Potential Solar Energy Hub
Contact:
NYPA
Michael Saltzman
914-390-8181
michael.saltzman@nypa.gov
ESD Press Office
(716) 856-8111
www.nylovesbiz.com
May 20, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Empire State Development (ESD) and the New York
Power Authority (NYPA) today announced a major economic development
package for Niagara County, which will bring 500 new “green collar”
jobs to the area. The package includes a major allocation of
low-cost hydropower from the Niagara Power Project that will serve
as the linchpin for the reopening and expansion of manufacturing
facilities of Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. (Globe) in Niagara Falls.
ESD and NYPA partnered to develop an incentive
package for Globe, a leader in the silicon manufacturing that is
used to create solar panels.
“This is another demonstration of our resolve to
revitalize economic development in Upstate New York.” said Governor
Paterson. “This project signifies how powerfully competitive New
York State can be in attracting businesses when we pool our
resources – in this case low cost hydropower through NYPA and an
Empire Zone incentive through Empire State Development. In these
fiscally tough times, these are the kind of collaborative
investments of state resources that we need to spur economic
development in communities throughout New York.”
Alan Kestenbaum Chairman and CEO of Globe, said:
“We are pleased to be partnering with the State of New York and in
particular with Governor Paterson, ESD and NYPA in bringing about
the reality of the reopening and expansion of Globe’s Niagara Falls
facility. This project will add needed capacity of silicon for solar
grade silicon and will be a cornerstone for New York State to
realize the goal of making New York a major center for production
and research for renewable energy and in particular solar energy
products. We salute all those individuals and agencies who worked
tirelessly and expeditiously to make this happen and for proving
once again the attractiveness of doing business in the State of New
York.”
As part of their agreement with the state, 25% of
Globe’s Upgraded Metallurgical Grade Silicon (UMG-Si) production
from their new Niagara Falls facility will be used to attract new
solar panel manufacturers to New York State, thus seeding the
development of the “Green Collar” industry in Western New York.
This provides a foundation for New York to become a leader in the
solar use and production industry.
While the solar industry is the highest growth
sector in the CleanTech cluster and is currently experiencing a
large influx of investment and expansion, the vast majority of solar
technologies require purified silicon which is extremely scarce.
Several major solar panel manufacturers have inquired about the
availability of the material in conjunction with locating new
plants. Since that time, ESD has been engaging silicon producers in
an attempt to leverage New York’s hydropower assets to produce
silicon and build new facilities to help meet that demand.
Globe will re-open the existing Highland Avenue
silicon production facility in Niagara Falls and invest in upgrading
the equipment to produce approximately 30,000 tons of metallurgical
grade silicon annually. In addition, it will build a new 100,000+
square foot facility in Niagara Falls to annually convert their
metallurgical grade silicon into 4000 tons of Solar Grade silicon–
enough to produce 500MW of solar power.
ESD and NYPA created a package that provides Globe
with 40 MW of hydropower over five years and up to $25,000,000 in
Empire Zone benefits for up to ten years. The company will provide
a capital investment of $60 million.
This economic development package will advance the
Governor’s Renewable Energy Task Force recommendations by developing
incentives to attract clean energy industries to New York.
The hydro power used to produce solar grade silicon in turn will be
used to create zero-emission solar energy, a true “Green-to-Green”
energy industry.
Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter said: “The New
York Power Authority’s decision will allow Globe Specialty Metals to
reopen its Niagara Falls factory, inject millions into our slumping
manufacturing industry, and create 500 badly-needed new jobs. I was
pleased to work with the Power Authority on behalf of Globe and
applaud their prudent decision that will open the doors to a
much-needed jump start for our regional economy.”
State Senator Antoine Thompson said: “I am proud to
work with Gov. Paterson to bring 500 new green collar jobs to
Niagara Falls. This project represents another critical step forward
in revitalizing the Highland Avenue community.”
Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte said: “This
announcement is exciting news for Niagara County. This partnership
will provide 500 new jobs with the possibility of bringing hundreds
more in the future. Having this high growth industry come to Niagara
Falls is a step in the right direction to further our economic
revitalization and is a way to keep our residents right here in
Niagara County. I applaud the Governor and Empire State Development
Corporation for their forward thinking in allowing Niagara Falls to
set the way for New York to move into this ever growing industry.”
Roger B. Kelley, NYPA president and chief executive
officer, said: "The plans to reopen Globe Specialty’s Niagara Falls
facility are a direct result of the efforts of NYPA and Empire State
Development Corp. who worked together to make this happen," said
Roger B. Kelley, NYPA president and chief executive officer. "This
collaborative initiative recognizes the strong commitment by
Governor Paterson to both stimulate the upstate economy and advance
renewable energy technologies. The revamped Globe Metallurgical
facility exemplifies both goals. We're excited about the role we're
playing in providing the low-cost hydropower for this enterprise."
Daniel C. Gundersen, Upstate Chair of ESD, said:
“The economic impact of the Globe deal will reach far beyond the 500
jobs pledged as we can now use this facility as an inducement to
attract solar panel manufacturers to Upstate. We salute NYPA for
their cooperation and enthusiasm in helping to bring these jobs to
Niagara Falls. Governor Paterson’s vision to expand our green
economy and grow our high-tech sector is becoming a reality through
partnerships such as this one.”
Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith said “The
investment of Globe in Upstate will not only create livable wage
jobs but also train local workers in the emerging green technology
field. This will serve as an example for companies and workers that
New York State is committed to retraining our skilled workforce by
providing opportunities in the innovative industries of tomorrow.”
About ESD:
Empire State Development is New York’s chief
economic development agency, encompassing business, workforce and
community development. ESD also oversees the marketing of “I LOVE
NY,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information, visit
www.nylovesbiz.com.
About NYPA:
■ NYPA uses no tax money or
state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of
bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of
electricity. ■ NYPA is a leader in promoting
energy-efficiency, new energy technologies and electric
transportation initiatives. ■ It is the
nation’s largest state-owned electric utility, with 18 generating
facilities in various parts of the state and more than 1,400
circuit-miles of transmission lines.
Globe Specialty Metals Inc. is among the world’s
largest producers of silicon metal and silicon-based specialty
alloys, critical ingredients in a host of industrial and consumer
products with growing markets. Customers include major silicone
chemical, aluminum and steel manufacturers, auto companies and their
suppliers, ductile iron foundries, manufacturers of photovoltaic
solar cells and computer chips, and concrete producers. The
company’s headquarters are in New York City.
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