LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – An investment in the Jeffersonville community and energy sector intersects at River Ridge Commerce Center. The facility is called Jeffersonville PV Cells. The parent company, CS PowerTech, views Friday as a milestone for the company while local leaders see the benefits to Hoosiers locally and across the state.
Rusty Schmit, President of CS PowerTech Inc., said one in twelve solar panels bought worldwide comes from their company. In a closer look at the operations in Jeffersonville, workers will be making the part of the solar panel that takes the energy from the sun and converts it. The new nearly one-million-square-foot facility adds to the energy supply chain and will employ 1,200 people.
State and local leaders say investments like this facility make a difference in the economy.
“Wage growth in Clark County can be attributed in part to the redevelopment at River Ridge,” Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser of House District 71 explained. “In 2026, the average wage for a Clark County Resident increased to $27.25/hour, up from the previous year by about $2.30/hour for the average worker. And that extra disposable income benefits our overall community by providing economic security for our families. This is the true ROI for our investments.”
Friday’s ribbon cutting for the Jeffersonville PV Plant is a cultivation of hard work for the River Ridge Development Authority.
“It’s taken a lot of years, work and money to get to this point and have a company like CS Powertech locate here,” Marc Hildenbrand, Executive Director of the River Ridge Development Authority, said. I have been working with River Ridge for several years, and I have seen this park go from a small park to what it is now. It is very fulfilling.
Jeffersonville PV Cells also reinforce Indiana’s role as a hub for advanced manufacturing. Beyond their commitment to the energy sector, CS Powertech also mentioned, as part of their mission and commitment locally, to be active in local schools and the community.
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