Under Construction: Wacker polysilicon plant takes shape in Charleston

photo More than 400 contract companies are building the $2.4 billion Wacker plant set to open next year.

Project: Wacker Chemical polysilicon production plant.

Location: 550-acre site near Charleston, Tenn.

Investment: Up to $2.4 billion.

Status: Engineering and concrete work is completed, large core equipment is installed, and the steel installation is nearly complete. In the next year, final mechanical and electrical installations will be made. "We are on track with our construction for commissioning in mid-2015," said Amanda Plecas, communications and government relations manager for Wacker.

Construction crews: Currently, there are typically 1,200 to 1,300 contractors on the site from up to 100 different companies hired to help build the facility. More than 400 different contract companies will have worked on the construction site by the time the plant is completed next year.

Staffing: Wacker will begin hiring for plant operations at the end of the year, Plecas said. The plant will have more than 650 employees when in full production.

Market: Once in operation, Wacker will supply polysilicon for solar panels and other equipment for North America and other customers around the world.

- Compiled by staff writer Dave Flessnor, who can be reached at dflessnor@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6340.

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