Solar company to open Southeastern distribution hub in Greenville > GSA Business

International solar power manufacturer First Solar Inc. plans to open a 450,000-square-foot southeastern distribution hub near Greer’s Inland Port later this month.

“As America’s solar company, First Solar is proud to power communities, innovation and prosperity with our solar module technology,” Bart Verbeke, First Solar’s senior manager of Global Logistics, said in the news release. “Our investment in this distribution hub will help enable our commitments to deliver modules where they’re needed, when they’re needed, thanks to the connectivity that S.C. Ports is able to offer.”

The Arizona-based company runs its largest photovoltaic module manufacturing plant at its northwest Ohio location as well as factories in Malaysia and Vietnam. The company plans to use its Greenville facility for warehousing and domestic logistics needs, according to the release.

The solar power manufacturer sees potential in the inland port’s accessibility to the Charleston ports, where it plans to import about 7,000 containers per year.

“We are thrilled to announce First Solar’s decision to invest in South Carolina, and we extend a warm welcome to them as a customer of S.C. Ports,” S.C. Ports Authority President and CEO Jim Newsome said in the release. “S.C. Ports offers access to global markets, efficiently run terminals and rail-supported inland ports to meet our customers’ needs. We look forward to supporting First Solar’s efforts to deliver American-designed solar modules to their customers in the United States.”