Strathcona Energy Group (SEG), a Canadian-based holding company specializing in vertically integrated solutions for the next generation of photovoltaics, announced it has established new headquarters in Belleville, Ontario. The group’s new 300,000 square foot domicile, a former plant of Nortel Networks Corporation, will also house the administrative offices of group members Strathcona Solar Initiatives and Strathcona Energy International, as well as manufacturing, distribution, and several research and testing laboratories.
As a full-service solutions provider, Strathcona Solar Initiatives will be able to extend its current operational base to accommodate the high demand for premium-yielding PV solar rooftop and ground mount systems that the company designs and installs for municipalities, businesses, and home owners throughout the province. At the new headquarters, employees of Strathcona Solar Initiatives as well of the other companies will be able to enjoy amenities such as a large cafeteria, a 4,600 square foot fitness center, and a game room to relax and unwind.
From the new location, Strathcona Energy International has already started its production of highest-quality photovoltaic (PV) and building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) modules. In its beginning phase 120 workers will be employed to manufacture 60 and 72-cell PV and BIPV modules for the North American and European market, but the company fully expects to hire more workers as capacity is expanded to 200MW by the end of 2016.
“The decision to move our headquarters to Belleville speaks volumes about the economic vitality of the region and of the solar industry,” comments Karl Hollett, CEO of Strathcona Energy Group. “As the group and its subsidiaries grow and prosper, we are confident this is the perfect environment for our various teams today and also far into the future.”
Part of the new campus will also house an innovative economic development initiative called C.H.I.R.P (Canadian Hybrid Incubator Research Platform) for which the Canadian government recently awarded Strathcona Energy Group CAN$350,000 in grant funding through the Eastern Ontario Development Program to spearhead the development.
CHIRP will be Canada’s first and only NBIA-certified “Soft Landings Incubator” and aims at providing technology enterprises from Europe and Asia a solid business operation platform and services in order to enter the North American markets successfully.
Fully operational, the incubator can accommodate 32 new firms, creating over 200 jobs and leverage direct foreign investment. Additionally, a unique program created in collaboration with Loyalist College will allow graduates to utilize the platform as an incubator for their start-up businesses.
Mr. Hollett adds, “It is truly exhilarating to bring everyone together here at the new headquarters and to see our vision come to life. Bringing our associates and businesses together will enable each one to thrive individually but also create a much stronger and powerful aggregate.”
As a renewable energy company with a deep commitment to long-term sustainability and energy efficiency, Mr. Hollett appropriately plans to convert the new headquarters into a net-zero facility.
