Wanxiang America Group bringing alternative-energy tech & jobs to N. IL.
RRSTAR.COM STAFF REPORTS Posted Mar 23, 2009 @ 10:18 AM Last update Mar 23, 2009 @ 11:23 AM ———————————————————————————————————————— ROCKFORD — Wanxiang America Corp., Winnebago County, the city of Rockford and the Greater Rockford Airport Authority will sign a development agreement this afternoon to build a photovoltaic solar-panel manufacturing facility in Rockford. A news conference discussing the agreement will be at 1:30 p.m. today at the Chicago Rockford International Airport, 2 Airport Circle. Consulate General Ping Huang of the People’s Republic of China and Gov. Pat Quinn will attend. The signing of the agreement signifies the beginning of a long-term partnership between Wanxiang America Group, the city of Rockford and the state of Illinois. Wanxiang Group will bring innovative alternative-energy technology and jobs to northern Illinois, the city stated in a news release announcing the news conference. The project will initially employ up to 60 full-time workers, at salaries of $40,000 to $70,000 a year. As demand grows, the company could expand to 160,000 square feet and 240 workers. In addition to building a manufacturing facility, Wanxiang America also has plans to build a 100-acre solar-panel farm.
