By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
First Solar has secured a tax abatement for its plant expansion that will bring 500 jobs and an investment of $680 million to Wood County.
The Wood County Commissioners voted unanimously this morning to grant the company a 65% tax abatement for 15 years.
First Solar built its first plant in Wood County 20 years ago – and with this expansion will have nearly 2,000 employees here.
“It’s really a great success story,” said Wood County Economic Development Director Wade Gottschalk.
“It’s a huge boost to our economy in Wood County,” he said. “They are a great corporate partner.”
Gottschalk said company officials did not ask for the full 100% tax abatement because they understand that the expanded plant provides more challenges for the Lake Township safety services.
The tax abatement agreement includes annual payments of approximately $1 million to Lake School District, $200,000 to Lake Township, and $85,000 to Penta Career Center.
“This is another great project for Wood County,” Gottschalk said.
Greg Ball, of First Solar, thanked the county commissioners for their support of the project.
The proposed 2-million-square-foot expansion will be adjacent to First Solar’s existing plant at Ohio 795 and Tracy Road. Plans call for ground to be broken this summer, with the expansion to open in 2023.
“We’re really looking forward to this expansion,” Ball said. “We appreciate the support of Wood County as well.”
The commissioners expressed their thanks for First Solar making the decision to expand here.
“We appreciate you staying in Wood County,” Commissioner Doris Herringshaw said.
“We’re glad to hear the success story continues, and appreciate your investments in Wood County,” Commissioner Craig LaHote said.
“We’re glad to be here,” Ball said.
Herringshaw asked if First Solar officials expect to have difficulty finding people to fill the 500 new job openings.
“We do struggle on the production side,” Ball said. “But I think we’re going to be fine.”
Gottschalk pointed out that Wood County doesn’t have enough unemployed people to fill the jobs.
“It’s a good problem to have,” he said.
