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SunPower will continue its distributed generation investments consistent with its business strategy. Its US workforce of about 1,200 employees in numerous cities across ten states is currently increasing with demand.
Fremont, CA: SunPower, a leading solar technology and energy services provider, has announced that it will close SunPower Manufacturing Oregon, its solar panel manufacturing plant in Hillsboro, Ore.
"We made the difficult but necessary decision to close our plant after careful evaluation and the change in focus of our business over recent months," stated Tom Werner, CEO and chairman of the board of SunPower. "We recognize how hard this is for all the employees impacted and are dedicated to helping them through this transition."
SunPower completed the spin-off of Maxeon Solar Technologies In August 2020. The spin-off covered international panel manufacturing and associated sales, which is now run by Maxeon. Following the split, SunPower is concentrated on innovative solar and battery storage system sales and services for customers in the US and Canada, as well as developing downstream energy services products such as energy management software. SunPower is continuing to give the most powerful and efficient solar panels through a supply agreement with Maxeon.
The decision to close the plant will affect nearly 170 employees. SunPower will offer all impacted employees comprehensive separation packages, including severance, work transition assistance as well as six months of COBRA for the continuation of health insurance coverage. The company will source and also present open positions from other area employers, host a virtual job fair to help in securing new employment, and encouraging employees to apply for open positions at SunPower if they are willing to relocate.
The company is taking steps to stop operations by March 2021 and complete the wind-down of the facility in early June while simultaneously looking into other options. These include selling the plant, assessing potential partnerships or exploring a joint venture option.
SunPower will continue its distributed generation investments consistent with its business strategy. Its US workforce of about 1,200 employees in numerous cities across ten states is currently increasing with demand. In addition, SunPower has a network of more than 700 independent residential and commercial dealers across 46 states – each its own small business – totaling over 17,000 US jobs.
