EMPORIA
Governor Terry McAuliffe announced on Monday afternoon that 510nano Inc., a developer of renewable energy projects and technologies, will invest $11 million to relocate its headquarters from North Carolina and establish a manufacturing operation in Greensville County.

The company will construct a 100,000-square-foot facility for the production of solar panels, creating 113 new jobs over the next three years.

“Creating these 21st-century jobs in the advanced manufacturing and renewable energy sectors is critical as we work to build a new Virginia economy,” McAuliffe said. “510nano’s investment in Greensville County is a huge win for the Commonwealth and especially for a community that is transforming itself.”

Currently based in Durham, North Carolina, 510nano Inc. specializes in solar technologies, developing commercial- and utility-scale renewable energy power plants, and designing modules, panels and other hardware. Formerly known as Ubiquitous Technologies Inc., 510nano has developed more than 30 clean technologies in various stages of commercialization since its creation in 2005.

510nano, which signifies the color green on the spectrum of light, also has a long-term solar panel revenue contract with the Town of Los Gatos, California; a commercial-scale energy power plant in Garysburg, North Carolina; and several solar panel farms throughout the Tar Heel State.

“Greensville County is a great fit for 510nano’s headquarters and new manufacturing operation, offering a site that meets the company’s needs, a superior workforce, a manufacturing industry cluster and close proximity to a word class port,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “We are confident that 510nano will continue to profitably pursue its strategic vision from its new Virginia location.”

Dr. Reginald T. Parker, president and CEO of 510nano Inc., agreed, saying that the location of the new facility had to be strategic and meaningful.

“With great access to I-95, Hampton Roads and rail, we see Greensville County, Virginia, as an ideal home for the manufacturing site for Solar VIA — the headquarters of our solar energy business — and our energy research and technology center,” he said.

“We felt that Greensville offered an attractive labor force, strategic nearby partners and a great name for a green innovation company. This big step is more than a great opportunity; it is a renewable energy achievement for Virginia and the nation at large.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Greensville County and Virginia’s Growth Alliance to secure the partnership, and McAuliffe approved a $200,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist the county with the project.

“These are the jobs of the future. Renewable energy is one of the fastest growing in the globe, and those that can get the latest energy are going to be the most successful. Billions of dollars are being invested around the globe on renewable, and we should be a leader,” McAuliffe said. “The last few years, we haven’t been in the game. It’s time for us to get in the game, and what we announced here today is really going to leapfrog Virginia forward.”

The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission also approved $635,000 in funding for the project.

“I am pleased that 510Nano chose to invest in Greensville County,” said Del. Terry Kilgore (R-1), chairman of the VTICRC. “These are the R&D jobs that the Tobaccos Commission looks for, which in turn helps to diversify our economy.”

510Nano will be eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, and additional funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.