First Solar to boost Perrysburg, Ohio, operations

TEMPE, Ariz.—First Solar Inc. said Monday it plans to expand operations at its Perrysburg, Ohio, plant by adding at least 134 jobs and 500,000 square feet of manufacturing, research and development, and office space.

The expansion, slated to be finished by the second quarter of 2010, will add a fourth production line at the plant and increase its annual capacity to 192 megawatts, the company said.

A separate facility will be built to focus on development activities.

Ohio government officials are arranging an incentive package for the projects, First Solar said.

Shares rose $2.08 to $259 in aftermarket trading.