THORNTON — Gov. Bill Ritter and local officials celebrated the grand opening of Ascent Solar's new world headquarters and manufacturing facility in Thornton today – the second of three straight days of new-job announcements the Governor is taking part in this week.
Ascent Solar, the developer of flexible thin-film solar modules, plans to add 180-200 new jobs over the next two years.
"Thanks to companies such as Ascent Solar, we're creating a sustainable energy future, sustainable opportunities for new businesses and sustainable jobs for citizens all across Colorado," Gov. Ritter said at today's ribbon-cutting ceremony.
"The New Energy Economy is leading Colorado forward and has become a national model for how America can and must re-tool our entire economic foundation for long-term growth in the 21st century," Gov. Ritter said.
Ascent Solar's new 145,000-square-foot facility will house its administrative headquarters and manufacturing operations. It will produce solar modules to power homes, commercial buildings and consumer devices.
The Thornton site is in addition to Ascent's existing facility in Littleton, which has 60 employees.
On Monday, Gov. Ritter was in Pueblo to announce 100 new jobs and an expansion by The Water Company, a high-tech water-purification firm.
On Wednesday, Gov. Ritter will participate in the ground-breaking ceremony for two new Vestas manufacturing plants in Brighton, which will result in 1,350 new jobs over the next year.
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