Clarksville Semiconductor to Start Production in 2013

A Clarksville, Tenn., semiconductor company should begin production of a critical base component of solar energy panels in 2013. Hemlock Semiconductor Director of Contract Manufacturing Terry Strange says construction has gone well on the $1.2 billion first phase of the project.

Strange says investments from local and state governments to obtain and prepare the land were vital for the project. The project was a risk involving millions of taxpayer dollars, but Strange says local leadership made the right decision.

The plant will produce polycrystalline silicon for solar cells and semiconductor chips.  It will employ between 500 and 800 people in specialized and technical jobs. Construction began in November 2009.