Federal officials tour HSC’s polysilicon manufacturing facility to learn more about the company’s key role in the U.S. solar energy supply chain
Hemlock, Mich. – Hemlock Semiconductor Operations (HSC), the nation’s leading manufacturer of hyper-pure polysilicon used in the semiconductor and solar industries, today hosted U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm and Congressman Dan Kildee at its production facility near Saginaw.
During their site visit, Secretary Granholm and Rep. Kildee met with HSC Chairman and CEO AB Ghosh and his executive team to discuss the Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act (SEMA) and how HSC can play a vital role in building a robust supply chain for the domestic solar energy industry.
Now pending in the U.S. Congress, SEMA would provide incentives for HSC and other companies to expand polysilicon production for the solar industry, creating clean energy jobs in Michigan and helping to make America a global leader in solar technologies. Two HSC employees, the father-and-daughter team of Mike and Jaime Modolo, recently appeared in a video touting the clean energy jobs that would be created if SEMA passed.
Following the meeting with HSC executives, Secretary Granholm and Rep. Kildee toured the company’s manufacturing facilities, where they had the opportunity to interact with HSC employees – including the Modolos – and talk with them about the work they do.
“There’s so many opportunities that you can pursue in clean energy, but it was really great to know there’s a company so close to home in the renewable energy business,” Jaime Modolo said. “Having more of these opportunities for the younger generation would mean a lot for our community.”
Secretary Granholm last visited HSC when she was Michigan’s governor from 2003-2010. Rep. Kildee is the primary sponsor of SEMA and a frequent visitor to HSC.
“It is a distinct privilege to welcome Secretary Granholm and Congressman Kildee to HSC and to hear their support for clean energy and the Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act,” AB Ghosh said. “The polysilicon we produce is a critical material for the solar industry, giving HSC a significant role to play in bolstering our nation’s capacity to develop and produce solar cells and modules. All of us here at HSC are eager to be a part of reducing America’s dependence on fossil fuels, combating climate change and building a clean energy economy.”
Secretary Granholm said the administration of President Joe Biden is committed to putting its full support behind clean energy innovation and deployment.
“Today, with everything happening in Ukraine, the urgency to drive towards clean energy independence is stronger than ever,” she said. “We want to build the clean energy technologies we need to power the country from soup to nuts, using American parts and labor. And we want to make sure we’re getting way more of the materials behind these technologies from home.”
Rep. Kildee echoed her remarks, saying the Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act is critical to helping the United States increase its energy independence.
“By bringing critical manufacturing back to Michigan and the U.S., we can fix our broken supply chains, lower everyday costs for families, create good-paying jobs and secure energy independence,” he said. “The employees at Hemlock Semiconductor and their hard work represent the best of our state. I appreciate Secretary Granholm for taking the time to visit midMichigan to discuss ways we can grow our economy and increase our economic competitiveness.”
About Hemlock Semiconductor
Hemlock Semiconductor Operations (HSC) is a leading provider of hyper-pure polycrystalline silicon and other silicon-based products used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices, solar cells and modules. At HSC, we’re passionate about silicon-based technology and its unique potential to connect and energize the world we share. HSC’s polysilicon enables customers to produce high-tech electronics and solar energy, and our efficient manufacturing process delivers products with an ultra-low-carbon footprint. HSC began operations in 1961.
More information is available at: hscpoly.com | @hscpoly | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube
For more information:
Kathy Barks Hoffman
(517) 256-9166
Khoffman@martinwaymire.com