DALTON—USFloors has commenced the third phase of its solar array system on its manufacturing plant here. The 365 kw installation will bring its total output to well over half a Megawatt, making USFloors the largest producer of solar energy in the state of Georgia. Piet Dossche, president and CEO, said, “As a nation, we are far behind Europe and China in investments and focus to create alternative energy solutions and help reduce our dependency on oil while generating cleaner, more environmentally friendly power.” He added the mill wants to set the example of how a privately-owned company can contribute to the solution of cleaner power generation in the U.S. By producing solar power on site, USFloors is able to take advantage of government and utility benefits; a 30% federal grant, a 35% state rebate and accelerated depreciation. North Georgia EMC pays USFloors a premium for the solar power it generates. This investment in clean energy hedges against dramatic energy cost increases, and carries solid financial benefits, noted Dossche. The system is being installed by Alpharetta, Ga.-based, United Renewable Energy. William Silva, the company’s president, added, “USFloors continues to show leadership in sustainable manufacturing practices and job growth.” Installing this solar array adds to one of the many sustainable practices of USFloors, a company actively working toward a solar powered future for the region, noted Brian Anderson, president of the Dalton/Whitfield Chamber of Commerce. “We’re proud to have a progressive company like USFloors in our community. It is showing how sustainable energy can create local jobs.” Concluded Dossche, “It’s not only an investment in our energy future, but an investment in our community. We are installing the system using local labor and putting local residents to work. With the millions of square feet of ‘flooring’ roof tops available in and around Whitfield County, we have the perfect opportunity to become the leading community in solar energy and an example for the rest of the country.”