State Workforce Training Brought to Light Through Amonix Expansion Into Nevada

LAS VEGAS, June 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The approximate 300 jobs that will be created through the expansion of a major solar panel manufacturer into Nevada is bringing to light Nevada's ability to successfully attract highly sought businesses and its ability to facilitate the specialized training necessary for Nevada's workforce to be properly prepared for these new employment opportunities.

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The recent announcement by Amonix to move to Nevada comes at a time when the Nevada Commission on Economic Development continues to avidly seek out companies desiring to relocate to the state to take advantage of Nevada's favorable business climate.  This effort coincides with the state's paramount goal of stimulating job growth and assisting its residents to get back to work as quickly as possible.

"These few hundred jobs are the direct result of a concerted effort by our team, and additional jobs will evolve as similar industries follow suit in relocating to Nevada," said Nev. Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki, who chairs the Nevada Commission on Economic Development. "Much of the thrust of our economic model is to focus on renewable energy projects suitable for development in the Western United States. This success with Amonix is another important step in helping us achieve the critical mass necessary for the establishment of a solar cluster here."

Frank Woodbeck, director of Las Vegas Operations & Workforce Solutions for the Nevada Commission on Economic Development, said the state will be investing funds along with Amonix to train the workforce for the solar plant. Other job training funds will be provided by the federal government. He expects a late September timeframe for hiring Amonix employees.

Woodbeck noted this is the first company of its kind to open in Nevada, and that its expansion here will help put Nevada at the forefront of diversification and developing its renewable energy industry base.  Amonix is a cutting edge innovator in solar panel technology, and a leader in its field.

"We have a strong focus on manufacturing in the renewable energy sector," Woodbeck said.  "That's where job creation will be."

Founded in 1989, Amonix designs and manufactures concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) solar power systems which require no water, use land more efficiently, and produce more energy per acre than any other solar technology. With 20 years in business, 15 years of real-world CPV deployments, and seven generations of system development, Amonix is the proven best choice for utility-scale solar in sunny and dry climates.

The Nevada Commission on Economic Development is a state agency that provides services, support and assistance to Nevada communities to help them diversify and develop their economies. The NCED is also responsible for the Nevada Film Office, the Office of Protocol, the Procurement Outreach Program, the Nevada Economic Development Fund and the Nevada Community Development Block Grant program. NCED has offices at 808 W. Nye Lane in Carson City and at 555 E. Washington Ave., Suite 5400 in Las Vegas.  More information can be accessed at www.diversifynevada.com.

SOURCE Nevada Commission on Economic Development