Earlier this year, Motech Americas acquired a Newark-based solar-panel manufacturing facility previously owned by General Electric Company, a move that saved about 70 existing jobs and will create an additional 75 positions by the end of the year.

Gov. Jack Markell and Alan Levin, director of the Delaware Economic Development Office, recently attended an open house of the facility.

“Congratulations and thank you to Motech Americas,” Markell said. “Motech chose to invest and expand in our community in part because we are committed to becoming the best place to start and grow a business.

“While visiting the plant, I met several local entrepreneurs who are making a living by installing solar panels and other clean energy solutions,” he continued. “We have a growing opportunity to be leaders in clean technology that is already creating more high-quality jobs for Delawareans.”

Motech Americas is the largest maker of solar cells in Taiwan and a former GE supplier.

“Even during difficult economic times, Delaware has continually worked to attract new businesses and grow existing companies that contribute to our state’s economy,” Levin said. “I am pleased that companies like Motech continue to recognize the value of our uniquely friendly business environment, strategic location and talented workforce.”

The Newark plant assembles crystalline silicon-based photovoltaic modules. It has been in operation for more than 10 years and has delivered more than 1.5 million photovoltaic modules that give solar electricity to customers on every continent.

“We are glad to be here today for the grand opening ceremony of Motech Americas,” Dr. Simon Tsuo, Chairman of Motech, said. “This facility has a long history in photovoltaic solar energy and we believe this factory has a great future. As we say at Motech, ‘experience counts,’ and we plan to use the experience of this team to grow our module business and make a difference in the solar energy industry.”