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News | 3 min read
German Solar Company Locates U.S. Operations in Richmond
April 29, 2011
The Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc. and the City of Richmond are pleased to announce abakus solar USA’s decision to locate in Richmond to distribute solar panels and components. abakus solar has already hired four employees and has aggressive plans to grow the distribution range along the East Coast over the next few years
abakus solar USA is a subsidiary of abakus solar AG, located in Germany.Founded in 1995, abakus solar AG engineers and operates photovoltaic turnkey plants renowned internationally with locations in Germany, Italy, Greece, Taiwan and now the U.S. The company has special competence in high-quality BIPV (building integrated photovoltaic), tailor made according to the requirements of customers and architects.
James Huff, CEO of abakus solar USA, said “With the emphasis on the need for alternative energy, now is the perfect time for abakus solar to expand in the U.S.” The company imports modules to Richmond and plans to create a network of contractors for solar panel installation. Customers will be able to stop by the storefront facility, simplifying both the purchase of materials and installation process. Huff sees ample opportunities to work with existing solar businesses in the region and geographically grow distribution in increments.
On selecting Greater Richmond for its location, Huff explained: “Access to the Port and being at the crossroads of I-95 and I-64 were critical for our decision to locate in Richmond. If accessibility is what you need, why locate anywhere else?” He added, “The Greater Richmond Partnership and the City of Richmond were a tremendous help to abakus solar in making our business decision on where to locate and then supporting us as we established our facility.”
Mayor Dwight C. Jones said, “abakus solar AG has chosen the right city for its first USA location! The decision by this German company reaffirms Richmond’s most recent accolade as the Best Small American City of the Future by Foreign Direct Investment (fDi) Magazine. Having recently launched our own sustainability planning process, we are extremely pleased to welcome and support businesses at the cutting edge of alternative energy solutions. We welcome abakus solar USA to our city.”
Gregory H Wingfield, president and CEO of the Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc., said “We are pleased to welcome another German company to the Greater Richmond community and one that is focused on the growing alternative energy market. It was a pleasure working closely with abakus solar and it’s rewarding to know that our services were valued. We are very excited about their growth plans.”
abakus solar USA was provided site-selection and relocation assistance by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Inc., the Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc. and the City of Richmond.
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Media Contacts:
Greg Wingfield, President/CEO
Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc.
(804) 643-3227
[email protected]
James Huff, CEO
abakus solar USA
804-980-1351
[email protected]
www.abakus-solar.com
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