Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones has today welcomed a £35 million investment by Sharp Solar UK into its 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.”

“We have been working closely with the company over a number of years and have developed a strong relationship with them. We have also provided the company with support for training and developing the skills of their workforce.”

“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.”

“These are real, green jobs in one of the sectors we are working hard to develop and follows the successful launch of Sharp’s UK Solar Centre by the First Minister earlier in the year. Our recently published new economic policy focuses exactly on this kind of advanced manufacturing so we can push Wales up the prosperity league.”

“Sharp’s state of the art, technically advanced facility in Wrexham exports products throughout continental Europe, where there is a growing demand for efficient solar technology. The need for continued advancement in green technology is crucial to stimulate economic growth and encourage innovation and enterprise.”

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.