Why did Toledo never support First Solar? (tax, airplanes)

[wolf64]

I moved to Ohio recently and I find this state to be extremely confusing.

First Solar was founded in Toledo, Ohio yet most of its factories are in Germany

They are also expanding in China and Vietnam

First Solar to partner with Chinese firm - Toledo Blade

First Solar starts work on factory in Vietnam - Toledo Blade

As someone who is not from Ohio, could a native Ohioan please explain to me why you shot yourself in the foot?

[Johio83]

While Toledo has definitely had more than its share of wasted opportunities, this was actually not one of them. First Solar was purchased by the Walton family (Walmart heirs) and moved to Tempe, AZ, about a decade or so ago. The international expansion happened afterwards. As much as I wish we still had them, that's business. When you're the richest family in the world, you can pretty much get anything you want.

[Johio83]

(When I say "this was not one of them," I mean that it was a situation beyond the city's control.)

[wolf64]

Originally Posted by Johio83

While Toledo has definitely had more than its share of wasted opportunities, this was actually not one of them. First Solar was purchased by the Walton family (Walmart heirs) and moved to Tempe, AZ, about a decade or so ago. The international expansion happened afterwards. As much as I wish we still had them, that's business. When you're the richest family in the world, you can pretty much get anything you want.

aaahhh. Ok, i agree with you that is not as bad as if Toledo was able to do something about it

It still sucks but it if it was out of your hands then the people of Toledo are not as as I thought they were

Why exactly did the Walton family move it to AZ? Government subsidies? Tax incentives?

Also, is there any chance of bringing them back to Toledo?

I think it would be great if one day Ohio could change it's license plates from "The Birthplace of Aviation" to "The Birthplace of the CdTe Solar Panel"

[Johio83]

Originally Posted by wolf64

I think it would be great if one day Ohio could change it's license plates from "The Birthplace of Aviation" to "The Birthplace of the CdTe Solar Panel"

I've actually been pushing for a license plate change of my own: Since we're in the bitter rivalry with North Carolina, with their claim of "First in Flight," I vote we just forget about flying. Who cares about airplanes anyway? I hereby motion that we change our stance to "First on the Moon," or for the adults, "First on the F'n Moon. Suck it, North Carolina!"

[Johio83]

(Disclaimer: Joe loves airplanes, and harbors no ill will for the state of North Carolina or its people. But rivalry is rivalry.)

[Tobias C]

Originally Posted by wolf64

i think it would be great if one day ohio could change it's license plates from "the birthplace of aviation" to "the birthplace of the cdte solar panel"

+1