Magna to Produce Solar-Plant Components in Arizona

Dec. 16, 2011
Automotive supplier targeting renewable energy market

Tier One automotive supplier Magna International Inc. is opening a new plant in Arizona this month to manufacture metal structures and roll-formed components for solar-energy installations. Cosma Power Systems will be an operating unit of Magna’s Cosma International metalforming subsidiary.

Arizona’s Renewable Energy Tax Incentive Program was used to draw Magna to the state. No budget was announced for the 166,000-sq.ft. plant, though Magna said it will employ up to 60 workers producing structural components for photovoltaic, concentrated photovoltaic, and concentrated solar power plants.

Cosma International mainly produces automotive vehicle frames, chassis systems, and body-in-white systems, though recently it has acquired several aluminum foundries to produce automotive structural castings, too.

"As a world-leading metalforming supplier, Cosma is applying its 50-plus years of expertise to better serve the renewable energy industry," Cosma president Horst Prelog stated. "We have manufacturing know-how and program management expertise that is highly sought by other industries. This new facility reflects our commitment to leverage our capabilities in this industry while at the same time remaining a strong supplier partner to our automotive customers."