Feb. 8, 2008 at 3:50pm

Cardinal Glass to begin making solar panels

Those who attended the 25th-anniversary Lewis County Economic Development Council banquet last night had reason to celebrate: Cardinal Glass has announced it will soon be making solar panels.

The specialized glass maker will make some 9.5 million solar panels every year by this time next year. A new panel will roll off the line every three seconds.

"That's just mind boggling to me," Lewis County Economic Development Council Executive Director Bill Lotto said. "They will be one of the largest producers in the country. Their panels will be sent around the world."

The expansion of operations at the plant will mean the addition of about 80 workers, bringing the company's local payroll to about 300. The plant will operate around the clock -- good news at a time when the county could use some.

"In the aftermath of the flooding, this is a wonderful statement of faith," Lotto said.

This news comes at a time when Lewis County is being noted for being a regional hub for energy and energy-related industries.

Cardinal Glass Industries has more than 5,500 employees located at 27 manufacturing locations around the United States, including its 90-acre site off Highway 603.

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