Energy Conversion Devices has announced the location of its new solar cell production plant: Battle Creek, Michigan. Battle Creek was chosen primarily because of the generous incentives they were able to offer .For example, Every Conversion Devices will receive Michigan Business Tax credits valued at $41.4 million over the next 20 years. Including other benefits such as property tax relief and grants to help with training new employees, Energy Conversion Devices is receiving $120 million for the new plant.

Construction of the 120MW, 265,000 square foot plant will begin in the fall. The plant should be online by late 2009.

Mark Morelli, president and CEO of Energy Conversion Devices, offered the following comment:

"We continue to profitably grow our business, and there is a strong demand worldwide for our solar products. To meet this demand, we are expanding our capacity to 1GW by the end of fiscal year 2012. After careful analysis of a number of potential sites we have chosen Battle Creek for this new 120MW plant as we continue to select sites that offer access to qualified workforces and the ability to quickly begin construction and ramp production. We plan to produce solar cells in Battle Creek, which will then be finished into solar laminates or integrated into BIPV products at other locations around the world."