SOUTHAMPTON, Pa. - NewAge Industries completed the installation of a 1-MW rooftop solar panel system, the sixth largest in Pennsylvania. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held June 8, and the system is now in operation supplying one-half of the plastic tubing manufacturer’s energy needs.

The event, attended by local dignitaries, members of the press, and other invited guests, included a plant tour and a trip to the rooftop to view the solar array up close. A presentation following the tour covered NewAge’s journey from a small, family owned distributorship to the manufacturer it is today.

“To see what you’ve done here is quite phenomenal,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick, R-Pa. “You’re demonstrating an example a lot of other manufacturing organizations should take a look at.” The congressman went on to say that NewAge is the “quintessential American success story.”

The solar project was financed in part by a $1 million solar energy program grant from Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development. Federal grant dollars of approximately $1.2 million are expected to be received. The total project cost was $4.2 million.

Publication date: 08/01/2011