Ice Industries Announces New Bowling Green Location to Serve Solar Industry

New plant located in northwest Ohio will supply solar panel balance of system components and initially will require the hiring of 60 new associates.

Ice Industries has been selected to supply solar panel balance of systems components to a major global photovoltaic panel manufacturer under a new multi-year contract.

The 150,000 square foot plant, located at 333 Van Camp Road, Bowling Green, Ohio, will produce steel reinforcements for the solar panel industry. Ice Industries has participated in this market in meaningful ways in the past having supplied brackets, actuator arms, and various fasteners for many utility scale solar farms throughout the U.S.

“This is a new and significant opportunity for Ice to support the growing and important solar industry with a global industry leader in the production of photovoltaic panels,” said Howard Ice, chairman and CEO of Ice Industries. “These jobs were anticipated to result from our country’s increasing focus and investment in clean energy technology. Northwest Ohio’s existing solar investment, logistics advantage, glass heritage, and steel production and forming knowledge is coming together in support of alternative energy.”

Approximately 60 new hires will be required to support this operation’s launch slated for October 2022.   Hiring of general laborers, supervisors, material handlers, maintenance, accounting, and operations associates will begin in advance of the October launch. Those jobs that are expected to start at $15/hour and up will be accompanied by competitive benefits.

“Ice Industries is excited to undertake this new endeavor in a new location,” said Monica Perez, director of human relations for Ice Industries. “The city of Bowling Green, the Regional Growth Partnership and JobsOhio have been very helpful in our location selection and planning and will provide various incentives and methods of support for training and onboarding of our new associates. We’re excited to advance our hiring later this summer as we get equipment installed and move closer to production launch.”

Ice Industries, Inc. is a world-class supplier with a broad range of capabilities including deep draw metal stamping, CNC machining, MIG, TIG, and resistance welding, assembly, rolled and welded pressure vessels, large format enclosures, high volume blanking, and powder coating.

“Ice Industries’ investment further establishes Ohio as a leading supplier for the rapidly-growing solar panel industry. This new, cutting-edge facility in Bowling Green will support rising global demand for solar energy while bringing 71 new advanced manufacturing jobs to Northwest Ohio – another great example of Ohio’s global leadership in manufacturing!”

– J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio president and CEO

Kati Thompson, Executive Director of Bowling Green Economic Development shared, “Ice Industries had several potential locations for their new operation, but we’re thrilled they’ve chosen Bowling Green. With a strong history of success and their presence in an important industry, we know they’ll be a tremendous asset to our community. We look forward to supporting their efforts as they get up and running and beyond.”

“Since its inception in 1999, Ice Industries has prided itself in providing customized solutions for our customers and this is no exception,” said Paul Bishop, Ice’s President. “In a tight real estate market and challenging operating environment, Ice considered many options in the Ohio and Michigan area, and we are pleased with the location selection in Bowling Green. All the parties came together to provide us with just the right package to undertake this project within a relatively short period from contract to launch. All of those involved at the BG Chamber, State of Ohio, and RGP, have proven very helpful and professional to the initiation of this new plant.”

Ice is proud to serve its broad range of customers and markets from its various locations in Toledo, Ohio, Mason, Ohio, Grenada, Mississippi, and Monterrey, Mexico.