WACKERA Munich, Germany-based company, Wacker has plans to build a plant in Bradley County, Tenn., investing $1 billion and covering 550 acres, to aid in efforts to produce solar energy. The local factory is set to employ 500 people.Wacker is currently the world’s second largest producer of hyperpure polycrystalline, material which aids in the production of solar energy. The company predicts that 2010 sales will cross the $5 billion mark.SIGNAL ENERGYOwned by EMJ Corp., Chattanooga-based Signal Energy is a general contractor providing services to wind and solar industries throughout North America. The company also projects growth of biomass in the region.Signal Energy presently has more than 20 projects underway across the country and has completed more than 20 since 2005. Earlier this year, the company changed its name to Signal Energy, citing its effort to expand its renewable energy efforts.
As the nation searches for ways to create energy, officials for SIAG Aerisyn, a German-based company with a Chattanooga operation, said it’s looking forward to a strong 2011.
“We’re making our inroads with improving processes, bringing structure and organization,” said Bernd Becker, president of SIAG Aerisyn in Chattanooga.
However, he said the remainder of 2010 could be tough.
“We don’t see major improvements in the third quarter,” he said. “There might be some improvement by the end of 2010, the beginning of the first quarter of 2011.”