Sunny days ahead: Heliene poised for growth thanks to growing U.S. market.

AuthorKelly, Lindsay
PositionSAULT STE. MARIE

Five years after setting up shop in Sault Ste. Marie, Heliene is poised for a period of growth as it eyes a burgeoning solar-energy market in the U.S.

The company, which manufactures photovoltaic solar modules, recently hired 13 full-time employees to add to its production line, bringing its total staff roster to 58.

Company president Martin Pochtaruk said that number has fluctuated between 30 at its lowest production period and 70 at its peak, which changes with the roller-coaster-like ups and downs of the industry.

"It has been a tough go," Pochtaruk said. "We call it the 'solar coaster,' because basically we run full capacity for three or four months and then barely anything for three or four months. We've been able to weather the storm, not without tripping a few times along the way--but we're still here." Pochtaruk said Heliene experienced roughly 30 per cent growth, year over year, between 2000 and 2010, but growth stalled in the years that followed. Then, in 2014, the company experienced "a very small growth," he said, and in 2015, Heliene is growing again.

The company is in a rare position. Of several solar-panel installation companies that set up in the Sault after the province launched its Feed-in Tariff program in 2009, few remain operational, a trend that has repeated itself across the province, Pochtaruk said.

But Pochtaruk believes Heliene is again poised for growth in 2016. The company, which has done roughly $110 million in revenue, is currendy exporting 90 per cent of its product to the U.S., and that's where Pochtaruk expects future expansion to occur.

To accommodate that growth, Heliene established a new finishing plant in St. Paul, Minn., in January. Working with a U.S. partner, SimpleRay LLC, Heliene will produce photovoltaic panels, with final assembly and testing taking place at Heliene's St. Paul facility.

Pochtaruk said St...

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