Wacker plant could be expanded, LIVE groundbreaking ceremonies for $1.45 billion polysilicon plant

Cleveland, Tenn - The chief executive of Wacker Chemie said today that the company's plant here could be expanded in the future.

"The plant site is of a size to allow for future expansion," said Rudolf Staudigl at groundbreaking ceremonies for construction of a $1.5 billion plant to make polysilicon for the solar industry.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam said he plans to talk with Wacker officials about expansion prospects later today.

Wacker plans to employ 650 workers when the plant opens in early 2014.

For more information, pick up a copy of tomorrow's Times Free Press and follow live coverage below of the groundbreaking ceremonies for Wacker's new $1.45 billion polysilicon plant in Bradley County .

The event begins with video, photos and updates from a press briefing at the Life Care Centers of America Professional Development Building, followed by a reception at 9:30 a.m.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, Dr. Ingomar Kovar, president of Wacker Chemical Corp. in North America, and Dr. Rudolf Staudigl, Wacker chief executive officer, will speak at 10 a.m.

Groundbreaking on the Charleston, Tenn., construction begins about 11 a.m.

Wacker Chemical plans to finish construction on the Bradley County plant in late 2013.

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