SCHOTT Solar to Build Production Facility in Albuquerque

SCHOTT Solar Inc. is constructing a new solar energy technology production facility in the Mesa del Sol region of Albuquerque.

Plans call for an initial $100 million investment which will immediately create 350 jobs. Construction on the 200,000-sq-ft first phase of the project is set to begin in a few weeks, with production expected to begin in Spring 2009.

Initially, the production site will manufacture receivers for concentrated solar thermal power plants and 64MW of photovoltaic modules.

Anticipating the need to increase production of its solar power technologies as the market for renewable energy in the U.S. grows, the new site is designed to support expansion of both its photovoltaic module and solar receiver lines. Long-term plans call for the building to expand to 800,000 sq ft with 1,500 employees, representing a total investment of $500 million.

The location of the new facility, Mesa del Sol, provides geographical proximity to the key solar PV module and CSP markets of the Southwestern United States, as well as close contact to one of the leading research centers for solar energy in the world, the Sandia National Laboratories.

SCHOTT was attracted to New Mexico thanks in part to its commitment to the consumption of renewable energy, according to company officials. The state currently has an aggressive 20% renewable portfolio standard, which mandates that by the year 2020, 20% of energy consumed must be generated by renewable energy sources, of which 4% must be from solar power. Additionally, New Mexico is at the forefront of progressive energy models in the U.S. with its feed-in tariff, a globally proven model.

SCHOTT officials say the decision to locate its new facility in New Mexico is also due to the pro-business climate and the collaborative economic development programs provided by the State, the city of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County.

Mesa del Sol sits on 12,900 acres. The community is positioned to become a sustainable-living community through energy conservation and generation, as well as a sustainable economy anchored by education and innovative industries.

Fidelity Investments Selects Mesa del Sol for New Operations Center

Fidelity Investments Operations Center, designed by Dekker/Perich/Sabatini

Fidelity Investments, one of the world's largest providers of financial services, will locate a new 210,000-sq-ft operations center at Mesa del Sol.

Mesa del Sol is being developed by Forest City Covington NM, LLC, a joint venture between Forest City NM, LLC, a subsidiary of Forest City Enterprises, and Covington NM, LLC, an affiliate company of Covington Capital Corp.

Fidelity, which expects to create 1,250 new jobs in Albuquerque, will begin its local operations this year and occupy its facility at the Mesa del Sol site in late 2008. The new campus will house the expansion of Fidelity Human Resources Services which provides corporate clients with payroll, health and welfare and human resources services.

At full build-out over the next 35 to 50 years, Mesa del Sol is expected to include 18 million sq ft of commercial space, including industrial, office and retail, as well as 37,500 residential units. Grading for the first residential lots is expected to get under way this month. Model homes are scheduled to be offered for sale by mid-2009 with homebuyers moving in by late 2009.

During 2007, Mesa del Sol selected world-renowned architect Antoine Predock, AIA, of Albuquerque to design a 78,000-sq-ft mixed-use town center building. The town center, which began construction this month, will be the hub for Mesa del Sol and will house a visitor center, business office space and retail businesses.

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