First Solar to invest RM2bil in largest panel plant in Asia

By SIRA HABIBU

sira@thestar.com.my

ALOR STAR: First Solar Inc is investing RM2bil in Kulim Hi-Tech Park to set up the largest solar panel manufacturing plant in Asia.

Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the plant on a 39.6ha plot at the park's phase III would be fully operational by early next year. The company had an existing product development and manufacturing base in Ohio, the United States, he told a press conference, adding that it was involved in manufacturing thin-film photovoltaic modules.

It also has operations in Mainz and Berlin in Germany for customer service, sales and marketing for the European market.

"It has chosen Kulim Hi-Tech to set up its first Asian operation," Mahdzir said, adding that First Solar would hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its plant on April 2. He said the plant would provide 2,000 jobs.

Mahdzir said the state was waiting for feedback from two Germany-based companies that would be investing between RM19bil and RM21bil to set up operations in Kulim Hi-Tech Park.

"One of them is public-listed. If its board of directors agree to set up operations here, we can expect investment amounting to RM11bil over the next five years.

"Western Digital, is deciding between Kulim Hi-Tech, Hanoi (in Vietnam) and Shenzhen (in China) to set up its wafer manufacturing plant. "It is planning to invest between RM8bil and RM10bil. Competition is stiff but we are trying to woo the investors by offering attractive incentives," he said.