New Cardinal Solar Technologies Facility Opens

Governor Jim Doyle recently joined company employees and community members at a grand opening celebration for the Cardinal Solar Technologies facility in Mazomanie. The Governor also announced a $500,000 loan to Cardinal Glass Industries, Portage, to upgrade production capacity at that facility.

"Wisconsin is poised to become a leader in the development and manufacture of renewable energy products," Governor Doyle said. "Cardinal Solar Technologies is not only creating highly skilled 'green' jobs, it is also contributing significantly to America's energy independence."

"For nearly 30 years, Cardinal Glass Industries has been producing glass products that help people conserve energy in their homes," said Bob Bond, president of Cardinal Solar Technologies, "We are now able to apply many of these same manufacturing techniques to glass that will ultimately be used to help generate energy."

The Governor cut the ribbon at the new 180,000 sq. ft. foot facility in Mazomanie that will grind, drill and temper two types of glass for use in photovoltaic solar panels. At full capacity, the plant will produce 64 million square feet of tempered glass annually. Currently, the plant employs 54 workers. Once it reaches full production, the plant has the potential to add an additional 60 to 70 employees.

The facility is a leader in green construction. The heated water in the manufacturing process will be recycled through the floors to heat the office area, heat from factory equipment will be used to warm the warehouse, reflective floors reduce the amount of artificial light needed in the plant, and the factory roof is reinforced to support future installation of solar modules. The current facility represents the first of two phases. Another 80,000-sq.-ft. section is planned in the future.

Governor Doyle also announced a $500,000 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act loan to Cardinal Glass Industries to upgrade photovoltaic glass production capacity at Portage. The Governor presented a check to Roger O'Shaughnessy, president and chief executive officer of Cardinal Glass Industries, Inc.

"We are grateful to the State of Wisconsin and the Department of Commerce for their investment in the future of not only Cardinal Glass, but also the people of Wisconsin," O'Shaughnessy said. "Cardinal looks forward to continued partnership with the state as we all work to build state's renewable energy economy."

-- Tony Hozeny