UPDATE - Canada's Silfab confirms tie-up with US PV manufacturer Itek

Canadian photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturer Silfab Solar confirmed today it is moving into the US via a direct investment into Itek Energy LLC.

Silfab said it will integrate its automation technology to Itek's facility in Bellingham, Washington and add a second manufacturing line that will more than double module production.

Reuters earlier reported that Silfab will invest USD 40 million (EUR 34.2m) to acquire and expand the Bellingham factory, with Itek remaining present at the facility. According to the report, the company is looking to increase the annual capacity at Bellingham to up to 350 MW from 150 MW.

"A U.S. operation will now enable us to meet additional demands and customer appetite for U.S.-made solar modules," Silfab chief operating officer and general manager Paolo Maccario said in the statement.

John Flanagan, president and founding principal of Itek, said the US company "looks forward to an exciting future with expanded capabilities and greater automation."

Itek has so far delivered more than 100 MW of solar modules for homeowners and businesses in the US, according to the announcement.

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