Solar Manufacturing Inc. commemorated the opening of a new, 59,000 square foot plant with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 24th. The company, located at 1500 East Clymer Avenue in Sellersville, Bucks County is the first business to build in the newly established Sellersville Business Campus. On hand to celebrate were a number of Bucks County notables, including Thomas C. Hufnagle, mayor of Sellersville Borough; Mary Smithson, chair of the Bucks County Industrial Development Authority; and Robert G. Loughery, chairman of the Bucks County Board of Commissioners.

Building on two of the six lots now occupying land vacated by AMETEK, Solar Manufacturing owners William and Myrtle Jones were keen to breathe new life into the community after AMETEK and its 1500 employees left the area in 2008. “It is important that we invest in our communities,” explained William Jones. “When AMETEK left, they left more than a couple of vacant lots. It’s our goal to grow and support the local economy.”

Currently employing 55 people, Solar Manufacturing aims to increase that number as business grows.  

“The improvement of the 44 acre tract of land was the vision of long-time Representative Paul Clymer, and former Borough Council Member Bob Rudick” notes Solar Manufacturing President, Jim Nagy. “Rob Loughery was also instrumental in the land purchase by the County with the intent to revitalize the property, to benefit the smaller communities in the County like Sellersville.

Mary Smithson of the Bucks County Industrial Development Authority was also a force in moving the vision forward on this property. In her comments during the ceremony, Smithson stated “the property development was the result of years of coordination with Pennsylvania and the local agencies to acquire the land and develop the plans for the future business campus.”