Suniva, an Atlanta based manufacturer of crystalline silicon solar cells and modules, has announced that it is opening a second U.S. manufacturing facility, to be located in Saginaw Township, Michigan.

Construction will begin in August, with production in the 4th Quarter of 2014 and will provide up to 200MW of additional capacity of its highly-regarded American-made modules.

The new facility further strengthens Suniva's position as America's leading solar module manufacturer, employing a higher percentage of American workers than any other tier-1 solar manufacturer. The company currently produces its high-powered Optimus monocrystalline module line with power ratings up to 280W (60-cell format) and an industry-leading 330W (72-cell format).

The fully-operational plant is expected to add 350 new jobs to the Saginaw community, and represents the next step in the fulfillment of the company's vision of growth in the Saginaw Valley.

"The U.S. market has spoken and has clearly stated that it values a company that was born in the USA, is owned in the USA, and builds high-quality products here. We are honored by that validation, and pleased that our success is allowing us to give back by the creation of additional U.S. jobs", said John Baumstark, chairman and chief executive officer of Suniva.

"Early on, Suniva identified the Great Lakes Bay Region as a strategic location for its continued expansion due to our highly-skilled workforce. To attract such an industry leader is a strong testament to the quality of our people, and the commitment of our region and Michigan to the growth and expansion of our solar industry cluster. We are very pleased that our long term partnership with Suniva is coming to fruition with meaningful job creation", said JoAnn Crary, the President of Saginaw Future.

"Suniva's decision to invest, expand and ultimately to add hundreds of new manufacturing jobs in Saginaw is great news for the community and our state," said Michael A. Finney, President and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

"This investment tells top business leaders across the United States and globally that Michigan is an ideal location for new technology manufacturing, that our workforce is world class and that our business climate is among the very best in the country."