Associated Press - November 26, 2009 3:44 PM ET
SAGINAW, Mich. (AP) - Saginaw officials are vying with a Texas community to land a California-based solar panel manufacturer that would create 500 new jobs within five years.
GlobalWatt has narrowed the site of its $177 million investment to Saginaw and an undisclosed Texas community.
Saginaw Mayor Greg Branch says the company could recast the city's closed Enterprise Automotive Systems as a solar module plant and help replace lost auto jobs. He told The Saginaw News that he's cautiously optimistic his city can land the plant.
GlobalWatt isn't the only solar jobs opportunity county advocates hope to land.
Norcross, Ga.-based Suniva is considering setting up a $250 million, 500-job solar energy manufacturing plant on 40 acres in Thomas Township.
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