Joint venture with Woodbine Tool and Die will have annual capacity of 450 MW

 

MARKHAM, ONTARIO, CANADA — Solar FlexRack, manufacturers of the most innovative photovoltaic mounting solution, commemorated the grand opening of its Markham, Ontario facility on October 3 with ceremonies that included a guided plant tour and a demonstration of a Solar FlexRack ground-mount rack.

The Solar FlexRack is the most widely used solar racking system in Ontario, with over 150 MW installed and another 70 MW under construction.

The Markham facility is a joint venture between Solar FlexRack and Woodbine Tool & Die, an established and well- respected automotive parts manufacturing facility. Woodbine is responsible for two facilities in Markham and employs 235 workers. The Markham facility is presently in full production for 70 MW of projects — with two lines running two shifts per day of the pre-assembled Solar FlexRack Ground Mount. At this rate, the annual capacity of the facility is over 450 MW.

Speakers at the October 3 event included:

  • Tom Meola – President and CEO, Northern States Metals
  • Sasha Honsl – Director of Canada PV Operations, Solar FlexRack
  • Mark Riegel – Project Manager, Woodbine Tool & Die
  • Mike Yorke – President, Carpenters Local 27

“The goal of Northern States Metals, along with Woodbine Tool & Die, is to bring our quality renewable energy product to Ontario while creating more jobs,” said Meola. “In the last three years alone, we have achieved 186 percent growth and added 75 full-time jobs. We look forward to adding additional sustainable jobs in Markham.”

“With Markham’s recent attraction of some of the largest tech companies in North America and over 900 technology and life sciences companies, Solar FlexRack will be a great fit into the Markham culture,” said Riegel.

The impact of the FIT program on business growth and job creation in Ontario was discussed at length by the speakers. It was pointed out that many businesses have benefited — from project developers, consultants, engineers, manufacturers and constructors to shipping companies, shipping materials, etc. The future of solar power and renewable energy in Ontario is bright due to FIT.

At the Grand Opening Ceremonies, a member of the Economic Development department for the city of Markham presented a plaque to honor the occasion on behalf of Mayor Frank Scarpitti. A letter from the Ontario MInistry of Energy was also read.

Meola concluded by stating that Solar FlexRack is committed to being a long-term employer in the Markham community.

More information about Solar FlexRack is available at www.SolarFlexRack.com