Lectrus announced 30 new job openings at its Chattanooga Operation to increase production of custom metal electrical enclosures and equipment skids. The company installs utility-scale inverters and associated power distribution equipment on robust steel bases and delivers the electrically integrated packages to grid-tied solar farms around North America. Lectrus is hiring full-time electricians, welders, painters and quality inspectors to start immediately.
“Over the past year, we have increased headcount by 25%,” said Jim Pugh, HR manager. “Our business continues to grow and we are seeking skilled employees who desire a rewarding environment and a bright future”. In its search for quality individuals, Lectrus participated in the city’s job fair on May 10 and will attend the Mayor’s Council on Disability job fair on June 6. Candidates are also encouraged to apply through the company’s website.
After a record year in 2011, the U.S. solar market plans to install another 2.8 gigawatts (GW) of power in 2012 with similar growth expected in Canada. Lectrus has been tapped by the top solar equipment manufacturers to build these specialized electrical equipment centers. Late last year, Lectrus provided several solar equipment enclosures to the West Tennessee Solar Farm (WTSF) which is in full operation. The solar farm is the largest photovoltaic installation in Tennessee with 21,434 solar panels and the capacity to produce 5 megawatts (MW) of green power. To put in perspective, this is enough energy to power 500 homes and offset 250 tons of coal per month.
In late 2011, Lectrus expanded the footprint at their Chattanooga Operation by leasing an additional 25,000 square feet on Polymer Drive to build enclosures and equipment skids for their solar industry customers.
“In an effort to increase production and maintain high product quality this year, we applied lean manufacturing techniques to create a new process”, said Vice President/General Manager Mark Arms. “Historically, our teams have built equipment centers in a single unit production environment. For the solar market, we changed our approach. We created a robust production system, measuring takt time, process flow and through-put on a daily basis which has enabled us to deliver consistent and superior product to our customers”.