BP Solar to dismantle Maryland plant addition

Posted: 4:20 pm Mon, December 21, 2009
By Associated Press

FREDERICK — BP Solar says it will dismantle a partially built addition to its Frederick plant after failing to find a tenant or buyer.

Spokesman Peter Resler told The Frederick News-Post of the decision Thursday.

The move underscores a strategy shift since 2007, when the San Francisco-based unit of London-based BP PLC began building what was to have been a $100 million addition to its solar-panel factory in central Maryland.

After spending $30 million, the company halted construction early this year and laid off 140 workers as its primary business changed from manufacturing to designing and installing utility-scale solar facilities.

The Frederick plant still employs 400 people doing research, development and the initial production of solar panels that are finished in Poland, China and India.