Canadian high purity quartz and silicon metal products supplier Sinova Global will spend $150 million to open a new silicon metal refining plant in Tiptonville, TN, a release issued by the Tennessee Dept. of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) announced Tuesday.

“The huge support we have received from all levels of government was an important factor in our decision to select Tiptonville as the site for our new, state-of-the-art silicon metal plant,” the firm’s chief executive officer, Jayson Tymko, said in a release. “Tennessee’s attractive business environment, integrated supply chain, skilled workforce, and supportive regulation means we can rapidly develop our operations to supply the growing energy storage, solar power, aluminum, and EV markets. We look forward to growing alongside the community as we create an essential element necessary for the clean energy transition.”

The plant in the Lake County Industrial Park will be situated next to the Port of Cates Landing, providing direct access to Sinova’s quartz deposit in Golden, BC. Once operational, the new facility in Tennessee will create 140 new jobs.

“We appreciate Sinova Global for choosing Lake County for this project, as it will make an enormous impact on our state’s most distressed county and those that live in the region. The company’s $150 million investment in Tiptonville will not only expand Sinova’s global footprint, but also enhance the business climate and economic status in Lake County,” stated TNECD commissioner Bob Rolfe.

Silicon metal products made the plant will be used in solar cells, semiconductors, aluminum, and silicon anode batteries.