Auto parts manufacturer expands to solar market

TORONTO, CANADA: Ontario's growing clean energy economy is helping auto parts maker Samco Machinery Ltd expand its business and create up to 60 jobs by adapting its auto parts plant to manufacture solar energy components.

Toronto-based Samco is updating its machinery and investing in new equipment to manufacture solar racking equipment in partnership with US-based SunEdison. Solar racking equipment is used to hold solar energy panels and angle them towards the sun. The Ontario-made equipment will serve the growing demand for solar panels in the province and across North America.

By shutting down all dirty coal-fired generation and moving to renewable energy sources like wind, solar and water, Ontario is becoming a world leader in the clean energy industry. Ontario's clean energy economy is attracting investment, creating jobs and cleaning the air we breathe.

In recent months, Ontario has attracted over $1 billion in private sector investment and created more than 1,400 jobs through clean energy investments.

Attracting clean energy manufacturing plants is part of the province's Open Ontario Plan to build a clean energy economy that creates jobs and protects our environment.

"We applaud Samco Solar for seizing this new business opportunity in Ontario's clean energy economy. This is a great success story, benefiting all Ontarians by helping create the new solar projects that will produce clean energy, transform and modernize our electricity system and strengthen our economy," said Brad Duguid, Minister of Energy.

"Ontario's commitment to adding new sources of renewable energy has helped stimulate our business and create manufacturing jobs. Working with a solar powerhouse like SunEdison has provided Samco with a significant opportunity for expansion into the energy sector," said David A. Pichard, Vice President Solar Business Development, Samco Machinery Ltd.

"As we grow our solar business both in Ontario and globally, SunEdison is pleased to work with Canadian partners like Samco Machinery Ltd. We've been impressed with Samco's expertise and level of professionalism. Their skilled workforce and their enthusiasm for solar manufacturing have made them an important player in the Ontario solar industry," said Jason Gray, Vice President, Canada for SunEdison.