Suniva Statement on Stion's Discontinuance of Operations

Sadly another American solar manufacturer's name must now be added to the growing list of almost 30 companies that have gone out of business in the past five years due to the influx of imported solar cells and modules. 

Suniva Inc. ("Suniva") has the following statement at the news that Hattiesburg, MS based solar manufacturer Stion Corporation ("Stion") has ceased operations:

"Stion now becomes another one of the nearly thirty American high-tech manufacturers whose workers are without jobs because of unfair trade practices employed by Chinese companies. We call on all those who care about American manufacturing, including the industry's domestic trade groups, to stand up on behalf of an entire industry being unfairly cut down due to unfair trade practices."

Frank Yang, Stion's Vice President of Business Development & Marketing, provided Suniva with the following statement: 

"We appreciate the consideration and support of the many customers, suppliers and competitors, including Suniva, who have recognized the difficulty of our situation.  Our example is yet another illustration that US module manufacturing across all technology types has fallen victim to intense competitive pressure from China.  This pressure impacts not only selling prices but the equipment and raw materials value chain for all players.  Since 2000, the US has lost over 5 million manufacturing jobs.  These jobs have traditionally been high paying, long-term jobs with significant indirect benefits, and their loss has contributed to increased inequality and unemployment in small towns such as Hattiesburg, MS where we operate.  We encourage the ITC to step forward with a strong remedy in the 201 case that will help stem this otherwise irreversible tide across solar manufacturing."   

Stion testified on behalf of Suniva and its co-petitioner SolarWorld Americas Inc. ("SolarWorld") before the International Trade Commission ("ITC") in the 201 safeguards petition which seeks relief from the import surge of foreign made solar cells and modules under Section 201-202 of the Trade Act of 1974. 

Suniva | www.suniva.com