Hoku Materials, a division of Hoku Scientific Inc., plans to build a $220 million polysilicon production plant in Pocatello, Idaho.

The city of Pocatello has reserved 450 acres of vacant land for Hoku’s facilities and future expansion. Subject to financing and other conditions, engineering and construction is planned to begin this year. Hoku expects the plant to be operational in late 2008 with a payroll of 200 employees.

The Hawaii-based company focuses on clean energy technology and plans to produce a highly pure form of silicon, the key material used in most solar power systems.

"We are pleased to have selected the city of Pocatello as the location for our polysilicon production facility," said Dustin Shindo, chairman, president and CEO of Hoku Scientific. "We believe Pocatello is an ideal location for a business of this nature due to its pro-business environment, highly skilled labor force and ability to meet the operational needs of a growing company such as ours."

The company has contracted with CH2M HILL Lockwood Greene for engineering and other services for the Pocatello plant. CH2M HILL Lockwood Greene is one of the largest and most experienced engineering and construction management companies in the world.

Founded in 2001, Hoku Scientific Inc. went public in August 2005. The company develops and manufactures fuel cell membranes and membrane electrode assemblies for stationary (including residential and back-up power applications) and automotive proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Hoku is currently planning to expand its business to manufacture solar modules and polysilicon for the solar energy market.

For MORE NEWS BRIEFS, click here.

For a FREE SUBSCRIPTION to Expansion Management, click here.

Go to STATE SPOTLIGHTS to read more about other news and articles about this state.

Go to INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHTS to read more about other news and articles about this industry sector.

Go to INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHTS to read more about other news and articles about international expansions.