Updated 12/11/2008 05:29 PM
Solar company could fill void left by Nestle in Fulton
FULTON, N.Y. -- This could be the new home for Solar Array Ventures. The Austin-based company is looking for a facility to produce solar panels and Fulton is on that list.
The company has been working with Operation Oswego County and Senator Charles Schumer, who spoke to the company's executives earlier this week. In a statement, Senator Schumer said a new solar panel plant in Fulton would be a win-win for the region and the company. Central New York offers the finest work force, critical space and key financial incentives for the company and the new plant would create hundreds of new jobs and give a shot in the arm to the local economy.
Fulton's mayor also seems to like the idea.
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"I think it's a perfect location. You've got railway. You've got 481. You've got the river. I believe that this area still has got the skilled labor and manpower to serve them," said Fulton Mayor Ron Woodward.
Solar Array could also bring more jobs, jobs that the area lost after the Nestle plant closed. New York Chocolate was supposed to fill the void left by Nestle, but still hasn't produced any chocolate in the four years they've been in Fulton. The mayor says it's up to the owners of the company as to whether or not they move forward.
"We're willing participants. We'll do whatever we can do. Of course, they've had some issues there and I think they've pretty much resolved what I've heard of as of late," said Woodward.
But not everyone is eager for the possibility of a solar company in Fulton. The president of DCA Express, one of the companies in Riverview Business Park, says there's no way Solar Array can come to Fulton because there isn't any available space.
"We have a lease until December 28, 2010. I know I can't get out of the lease. Riverview is adamantly denying this could happen," said DCA Express President Ron Shuster.
We spoke with the executive director of Operation Oswego County on the phone and he said the company is looking at a couple of sites throughout that state, as well as sites in at least five other states. He also added that of the sites they're looking at in New York, Riverview Business Park is at the top of their list.