Solar manufacturer announces plans for Brighton

Joint venture to bring 900 jobs, $250 million investment to city e Colorado O ce of Economic Development and International Trade announced today that VSK Energy Inc. will expand into Brighton, bringing as many as 900 new jobs to the area. e company plans to move into the 76 Commerce Center, row of warehouses along Interstate 76 just north of Brighton’s 160th Avenue in 2024. e company would share the lot with autonomous warehouse equipment manufacturer Outrider.

Brighton will be home to a solar manufacturing facility along Interstate 76, the Polis administration announced June 22.

VSK Energy Inc., a U.S.-based joint venture between several international solar manufacturers, announced plans to invest $250 million to develop an American solar photovoltaic module manufacturing facility projected to create over 900 net new jobs.

“Colorado is one of the top states in the country for solar production so this expansion in Brighton will help build upon our plans to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2040, create more than 900 new good-paying jobs for Coloradans and contribute to our state’s thriving economy,” said Gov. Jared Polis said in a written statement. “More and more companies are ocking to Colorado because we are the best place to live and do business so we are thrilled to welcome VSK to Colorado.”

VSK is a majority U.S.-owned and operated joint venture between solar energy providers, India-based Vikram Solar, private equity rm Phalanx Impact Partners, and investment and development rm Das & Co. which has expertise in the solar industry in the United States, India and emerging markets. Colorado and the Polis Administration have a shared interest with India to foster sustainable energy solutions. Governor Polis conducted his rst o cial trade and investment mission to India in 2019, which included a focus on renewable energy and clean technologies.

“ e passage of the In ation Reduction Act was a landmark moment for the clean energy future of the United States,” said Sriram Das, Co-Chairman of VSK Energy. “ e Biden Administration and Congress have called for immediate action and, through our partnership in VSK, we are taking a decisive step towards achieving solar technology self-su ciency, fortifying America’s energy security, and propelling largescale solar deployment. I am also particularly proud to bring together leaders from both the United States and India to make this investment and commitment to America’s clean energy future.” e jobs at the Brighton factory will include engineers, technical operators, manufacturing laborers, and administrative sta , with an average salary of more than $70,000. is is more than 105% of the average annual wage of Adams County. VSK Energy expects the facility to open in 2024 with an initial capacity of 2 Gigawatts (GW) in solar PV modules and planned expansion of up to 4 GW.

“ e City of Brighton and Brighton Economic Development Corporation are excited to welcome VSK Energy Inc. (VSK), to Brighton as one of our top employers,” said Robin Martinez, President & CEO of the Brighton Economic Development Corporation. “Brighton is a prime location for CleanTech companies to locate and grow with the vast number of resources available and we welcome VSK to our community.”

Brighton Mayor Greg Mills said the jobs and the investment are welcome.

“We do want to have people be able to live in Brighton but to be able to work in Brighton as well,” Mills said. “So this works with everything we are trying to do here.” e Brighton factory will be located at the recently completed 76 Commerce Center, which is owned by Mortenson Properties and Hyde Development. A leading solar engineering, procurement, construction, and commercial contracting rm, Mortenson will oversee the engineer- ing and construction of the Brighton Factory as well as a second facility planned for the Southern U.S. Colorado’s central location within the U.S. along with Brighton’s accessibility to Denver International Airport and several interstate highways will be key in supporting VSK’s growth, along with the availability of a modernized facility that meets production needs. e state’s top workforce also played an important role in the decision.

But Mills said he’s waiting to the see the details before he gets too excited.

“Cleantech in Colorado contributes $4.6 billion per year to the state’s economy and employs over 62,000 Colorado workers. By establishing a new solar manufacturing facility in Brighton, VSK will grow this important employment sector and help further Colorado’s commitment to grow clean energy technologies,” said Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of OEDIT.

“We are thrilled VSK has selected Adams County as their new U.S. base and extend a warm welcome as they join our vibrant community,” said Adams County Commission Chairman Steve O’Dorisio. “We are con dent that the company will greatly bene t from our exceptional local talent pool, while our robust transportation infrastructure will e ortlessly connect them with both domestic and international markets. With VSK’s arrival, Adams County’s renewable sector, encompassing wind, solar, and battery technology, continues to ourish, making it the ideal hub for innovation and sustainable growth.”