Plant expected to eventually employ 500 people

Solar Distinction, Inc., plans to build a photovoltaic manufacturing plant in Albuquerque that is expected to employ 300 workers within the first two to three years and eventually grow to 500 employees.

Gov. Bill Richardson said Tuesday the company's decision shows New Mexico is "becoming the center of North America's solar industry."

Solar Distinction plans to initially operate a 25-megawatt solar panel manufacturing plant, then expand to 50-megawatts within two years.

In addition to manufacturing operations, Solar Distinction will base its research and development of solar power generation, storage and end-user applications for commercial, industrial and consumer industries in New Mexico.

Solar Distinction is a portfolio company of Albuquerque-based Noribachi Group, a private equity firm.