The province of Ontario is creating new jobs in green industries by supporting an innovator in solar power energy.

The province is investing nearly $8 million in 6N Silicon (www.6nsilicon.com) to help create sustainable jobs for skilled workers. The investment supports 6N's $50 million expansion. The company is opening a new manufacturing plant in Vaughan, Ontario, and creating 84 news jobs.

The expansion will help cement 6N's reputation as a leader in the emerging green economy. The company has also drawn international interest for using a revolutionary manufacturing process that turns low-grade silicon into the form needed to produce solar cells. This method is cheaper, quicker and more energy-efficient than others. It is also helping 6N meet growing demand for renewable power.

The government's investment comes from the Next Generation of Jobs Fund (www.ontariocanada.com/ontcan/nextgen_index.jsp) which supports Ontario-based companies looking to invest in clean cars, fuels, technologies and products. The fund is part of a broader plan to retool workers and stimulate Ontario's change economy. Many of 6N's employees are former auto workers who have successfully transferred their skills from one sector to another.

"We are proud to support a leading-edge process that creates jobs in Ontario and provides a clean technology solution to the world," said Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty.

"Ontario's highly skilled workforce and our government's support for innovation have positioned this province to lead in the global knowledge-based economy," said Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Economic Development and Trade.

Paolo Maccario, CEO of 6N Silicon Inc., commented: "We've chosen Ontario because of the skilled workforce, competitive business environment and the tremendous support we've received to help us commercialize our technology. The speed 6N needed to serve our customers' needs was certainly matched by the province."

Mon Jul 28 10:37:00 CDT 2008