It is expanding rapidly to cope with the increasing demand, having last month announced it will help build one of the largest solar photovoltaic electricity generating plants in the world, in Thailand.  It will have a power generation capacity of 73MW, and Sharp will supply thin-film solar cell modules and surrounding systems for the plant. Generation will begin at the end of next year.

Welsh Assembly Government's Deputy First Minster, Ieuan Wyn Jones, welcomed the £35 million investment by Sharp Solar UK into its already existing plant in Wrexham.

The Welsh Assembly Government has been working closely with the company to support its presence in Wales, including funding to train staff. The site currently employs 750 people in Llay.
 
The Minister said,"I originally discussed the possible expansion at the Llay site with senior executives of Sharp PV during my visit to Japan in 2008. I am therefore delighted that Sharp has today confirmed this significant investment which will double their production capacity of solar panels.

"This is a fantastic vote of confidence both in the workforce at Sharp, and in Wales as a location to make and develop high-tech, green products that the world needs if we are to create a sustainable economy."

Andrew Lee, general manager of Sharp Solar, said a training academy would be opened in October, training between 25 and 50 solar panel installers per month. Some staff are expected to be switched from production of microwave ovens to work on the new production lines.

The Assembly Government recently launched Economic Renewal: A New Direction which outlined a radically new policy to support the Welsh economy. This includes supporting investment in six key sectors, including energy and environment and advanced manufacturing.

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