One of First Solar’s long-term component manufacturing partners will build a new manufacturing facility in Lacassine, Louisiana, to support First Solar’s upcoming 3.5 GW solar module manufacturing site in the state.
The back of First Solar’s Series 7 module. It uses double rear steel rails.
Ice Industries, a heavy metals contract manufacturer based in Ohio, will invest $6 million in a new manufacturing facility that will initially focus on roll forming steel backing rails for First Solar’s thin-film solar modules. The company expects to create 70 new jobs.
This new Ice Industries facility in Louisiana complements a similar operation in Bowling Green, Ohio, which opened in 2022 specifically to supply products to First Solar.
“Following the successful collaboration with First Solar that resulted in the creation of Ice Industries Bowling Green, we are excited to further expand our partnership with an American company that is a global leader in PV module production,” said Howard Ice, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Ice Industries. “Ice Industries Louisiana fits both the United States’ increasing focus and investment in clean energy technology and Ice’s strategy of geographic and market diversification, and represents a strategic investment in both the company and our state’s manufacturing base.”
The company plans to begin installing new equipment in a remodeled 150,000-foot2 The plant is scheduled to open in October and begin production in early 2025.
Louisiana Economic Development (LED) offered the company a competitive incentive package, including LED FastStart’s comprehensive workforce development solutions. The state has also offered Ice Industries a $380,000 repayable Economic Development Award Program loan for site development and infrastructure improvements, subject to approval by the Louisiana Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors. The company is also expected to participate in the state’s business tax exemption and quality jobs programs.
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