(EnergyAsia, August 4, Monday) — First Solaplants under construction at the Kulim Hi Tech Park in Kedah in Malaysia was inaugurated last month.

First Solar’s investment of US$680 million will bring more than 2,000 jobs in management, engineering, accounting, human resources and factory operations when all four plants are fully operational.

The Malaysian government has granted First Solar a multi-year income tax holiday, and the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) is supporting cross training for the workforce at First Solar’s facilities in the US and Germany.

Ustaz Azizan Bin Abdul Razak, Kedah’s chief minister, and Bruce Sohn, President of First Solar, were guests of honour at the event which was attended by senior government officials and First Solar executives including Heiner Eichermueller, vice president of global manufacturing, and Tan Poh Beng, plant manager of First Solar Malaysia.

“Dedicating this plant represents a major milestone for First Solar. Our expansion into Asia enables us to achieve cost reductions through economies of scale in a high quality manufacturing environment,” said Bruce Sohn, President of First Solar.

“This is a matter of great pride for Kedah and Malaysia. Our entire work force is Malaysian at all levels throughout the operation. And we all receive the same specialised training and opportunities that First Solar associates enjoy throughout our global organisation,” said Tan Poh Beng, Plant Manager of First Solar’s Malaysia Facilities.

“The leaders of Kedah are pleased to have First Solar locate their first Asia-based solar module manufacturing facilities here in our state. We remain committed and supportive of their mission to enable clean, affordable solar energy. We are confident that all Malaysians will benefit from the quality of jobs that this facility brings to our community and applaud First Solar’s commitment to environmental responsibility,” said Chief minister Ustaz Azizan.

r said the first of its four solar module manufacturing