Vaughan
July 24, 2008 09:12 PM
By: Keely Grasser
Eighteen months ago, Roger Seucharan was laid off from his automotive sector job, just a month after he bought a house.
“I didn’t know where else to go,” he said, explaining he had been working in the casting industry for eight years. “It was not easy because the automotive industry took a big hit internationally.”
But Monday, the York Region resident was one of a group of new employees at 6N Silicon’s new Woodbridge plant after the province invested almost $8 million into the company.
The plant, which will create 84 jobs, turns low-grade silicon into a higher grade used in the production of solar cells.
The investment is through the province’s Next Generation of Jobs Fund, which supports Ontario-based companies looking to invest in green technologies and products.
It’s part of a broader plan to retool laid-off workers and stimulate the economy.
“Our economy is facing a challenging time...Many of you faced uncertainty but now you’re moving forward,” Mr. McGuinty said to the workers.
Mr. Seucharan used to work in aluminum casting and will have similar work at the 6N plant, although techniques are a bit different, he said.
He said he’s proud of his new role at 6N and thinks he wouldn’t be as happy if he was still working in the automotive industry.
Company founder Scott Nichol attributed 6N’s roots in a green, growing field as a reason it won the province’s investment. The funding supports the company’s $50 million investment in expansion.
“I think the province of Ontario is having trouble with losing automotive jobs, especially to off-shore manufacturing. We’re creating jobs for people and we’re providing them in a growing field.” Mr. Nichol said.
6N CEO Paolo Maccario said he expects the plant to be full of activity less than two months from now and he thinks it will add many more positions by the end of the year.
Founded in 2006, 6N will supply solar cell and wafer manufacturers with the refined silicon, said Mr. Nichol.
The Mississauga-based company is owned by Mr. Nichol and professional investors Ventures West, Yaletown Venture Partners and Good Energies.