Wisconsin won’t only be known as America’s Dairyland anymore. Outgoing Gov. Jim Doyle (D) announced Dec. 30, 2010, that W Solar Group, a new photovoltaic manufacturer, will move its headquarters, research and development (R and D), and manufacturing facilities to the state.

In a press release, Doyle said, “I am really happy to announce the state will provide $28 million in Enterprise Zone tax credits to help W Solar establish a manufacturing facility in Wisconsin and create more than 600 jobs.”

According to the state, the project will include a capital investment of over $300 million.

To receive the tax credits, the company will have to meet certain growth goals, said Evan Zeppos, a spokesperson for W Solar.

“As we grow, we become eligible for them,” he said. “You’ve got to achieve and grow to get there.”

Zeppos said that W Solar also chose Wisconsin for its industrial history.

“Wisconsin has been a significant provider of manufacturing in the past. It’s always been a leader in high-quality manufacturing and world-class products,” he said. “We have a strong supply chain here. Those things are important to us as we build this company.”

The move will include relocating the company’s headquarters and R and D facilities to Dane County, home of Madison, Wis., said Zeppos.

“Certainly, the fact the University of Wisconsin Madison is a world-class institute, and has some leading minds, is an attraction to us,” he said. “But it’s really no one thing. Our intention is to locate our headquarters in Dane county. It may not just be in Madison.”

The company will produce Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) thin-film photovoltaics.

“Our primary focus is on utilities and large industrial areas,” Zeppos said. “What we’re trying to do is reach grid parity. We think between our manufacturing process and R&D we’ll be able to do that.”

The company has not yet broken ground in Wisconsin, according to Zeppos.

The company plans to open its headquarters and R and D facilities during the first half of 2011 and start production in 2012.

W Solar’s manufacturing facilities will be located elsewhere in Wisconsin.

Image courtesy of W Solar.