ROCHESTER HILLS – Energy Conversion Devices, which makes thin-film flexible solar laminate products for the building integrated and commercial rooftop markets, this week announced Battle Creek will be the location for its new 120 MegaWatt solar cell manufacturing plant – creating some 350 new jobs over the next three years.

The company expects to begin construction on the 265,000 square-foot

facility this fall and to be in production by the end of 2009. Energy

Conversion Devices also has the option to build a second 120MW facility at

the Battle Creek site with the same specifications.

“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,�?� said Mark Morelli, ECD’s president and chief executive officer. �??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.

“We look forward to becoming a part of the Battle Creek community, and

we expect to create 350 local jobs within the next three years,�?� said Morelli.

�??I’d like to thank Calhoun County, the City of Battle Creek and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for their help during the selection process and their ongoing support. The economic incentives offered by State, County and

Battle Creek governments, and the support and assistance of the Michigan

Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) were key elements in our decision

to choose Battle Creek, without which we would not have been able to expand

in this community.�?�

.

The MEDC has offered Michigan Business Tax credits valued at $41.4

million over 20 years to win the company’s business. A $12.6 million

federal Community Development Block Grant approved by the MEDC and awarded to Calhoun County will fund infrastructure improvements needed to support the new plant. The MEDC and city have supported a 15-year, tax-free

Renaissance Zone and property tax abatements for the site, worth an

additional $67 million to the company. With additional funding for training

assistance, the state and local incentive package totals approximately $120

million for the Battle Creek expansion.

a>>