By Mike Rosa, Senior Vice President, Economic Development
In June, Canadian Solar announced it will establish a large photovoltaic module manufacturing plant in Mesquite. Trina Solar announced plans for a major photovoltaic plant in Wilmer on Monday, Sept. 11.
The Dallas Regional Chamber played a big part in the recruitment of both projects.
Our first contact with Canadian Solar was in 2017 when the DRC welcomed company executives and aligned with our allies in Mesquite to showcase the preferred facility and all Mesquite had to offer.
Our work with Trina Solar began several months ago through our longstanding relationship with a site location consultant working on behalf of the company.
It’s great to work alongside community allies, workforce and education partners, and DRC chamber members to engage and win projects like these. We are excited about the job and business opportunities these projects create for our region—especially those in Southern Dallas County.
Combined, the two projects initially promise 3,000 good-paying jobs for the Dallas Region. Additionally, jobs will be indirectly created when these manufacturers induce other companies, like suppliers, to locate and expand nearby. Plus, retail and service businesses and jobs will be supported by thousands of families with expanded incomes.
These projects are big and impactful. They represent a total of 1,750,000 square feet of space and $450 million of capital investment, which also boosts the tax base in the region.
Manufacturing is important to our regional economy. When products are made in the region and sold mostly outside of the region, new dollars flow back in to keep our economy healthy and growing.
Our region is home to nearly 300,000 manufacturing jobs, more than anywhere else in Texas. We also boast the most diversity in what we produce. From semiconductors, aircraft, trucks, and cars, to food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals, the diversity and success of our manufacturing base is a big ingredient in the secret sauce that makes our regional economy outperform all others in recent years.
The solar energy sector is relatively new and, like life sciences and other emerging sectors, will be an important part of our regional economy in future years.
Southern Dallas County has a strong base for manufacturing. The area is already home to companies like Dal-Tile and Gatorade in Dallas, Niagara in Lancaster, Solar Turbines in DeSoto, American Leather in Dallas, and more. Our Southern Dallas County Economic Development Guide highlights these and all the other companies operating there. Now, we can add Canadian Solar and Trina Solar to the list.
Our region’s best and brightest future is for all people to have access and a path to good jobs and a good life, and for all our cities and neighborhoods to prosper. When good jobs by the thousands become available near people who need them most, lives and families can be forever made better. A rising tide in Southern Dallas County lifts all boats in this region.