First Solar to open distribution hub near South Carolina port

Rail News Home Intermodal 5/15/2020 Rail News: Intermodal
Inland Port Greer extends the Port of Charleston's reach into upstate South Carolina via rail.Photo – South Carolina Ports Authority

Solar manufacturer First Solar Inc. has selected Greenville, South Carolina, for its new East Coast distribution hub, the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) announced earlier this week.

With its headquarters in Arizona, First Solar operates a photovoltaic model manufacturing footprint in northwest Ohio, as well as factories in Malaysia and Vietnam. The company plans to open a 450,000-square-foot distribution center in Greenville, its first in the Southeast, to warehouse and stage deliveries for U.S. customer, SCPA officials said in a press release.

First Solar can make use of the Port of Charleston's access to international markets, such as Vietnam, and its overnight rail connection from the Port of Charleston to Inland Port Greer, SCPA's inland operation in upstate South Carolina, they said.

The company anticipates bringing up to 7,000 containers per year through the Port of Charleston starting in late May. Upon arrival at Inland Port Greer, cargo will be transported to First Solar's hub in Greenville, port officials said.

"S.C. Ports offers access to global markets, efficiently run terminals and rail-supported inland ports to meet our customers' needs," said SCPA President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Newsome. "We look forward to supporting First Solar's efforts to deliver American-designed solar modules to their customers in the United States.