Korean solar panel maker hiring more workers at its factory in Dalton, Georgia

The Times Free Press ^ | August 21, 2019 | Staff

[2ndDivisionVet]

The largest solar panel production facility of its kind in the Western Hemisphere is continuing to add staff at its $157 million factory in Dalton, Georgia, which began production six months ago.

The Korean solar panel maker Hanwha Q CELLS is conducting a hiring fair Thursday in Dalton, Georgia, as it adds another 50 jobs at its 200,000-square-foot plant in the Carbondale Business Park in Dalton. The plant already employs 600 workers and is expects to reach full production — and to conduct a ceremonial ribbon cutting — in the next month.

"Our first products shipped from the factory this February," said Scott Moskowitz, director of strategy and market intelligence for Hanwha Q Cells. "All production lines are currently running and we expect to be at full 1.7 gigawatt annual capacity in the very near future,"

[Wonder Warthog]

“1,7 GIGAWATTS!”

Per Year! One nuclear plant equivalent turned out annually.

[gawatchman]

Yes, that’s true. America was built by immigrants and although many are first generation they are still Americans.

[Trumpet 1]

Dalton, Ga. is located on I-75 and is known as the carpet capital of the world. Expanding their economy into solar panels is interesting. The local city school Dalton Catamounts has been strong with America Football 🏈. Perhaps in the future they will be strong in soccer what with all the Mexicans and Koreans working in the various industries. Interstate highways are bringing industry to small town America. Plus, Dalton, Ga. is a very nice lay of the land with foothills, trees and picturesque scenery.

[Brilliant]

If they can make panels profitably in GA then why can’t we?

[gawatchman]

Yes, it is . I’ve considered relocating up that way. A few of my earlier comments were unwarranted as Americans do come from different ethnic backgrounds and cultures and as long as they come here legally and work to support themselves its a good thing.

[Trailerpark Badass]

Quite a commute from Duluth.

[Trailerpark Badass]

Lots of Korean Christian churches in the Duluth area. Eat at the many Korean restaurants in the area, and you’ll be served by pleasant, hard-working Korean young people, who speak flawless English with no accent.

I’m pretty sympathetic to his larger point, but Koreans, generally, aren’t the problem, as you note.