Jewett said.
In an economic environment that's forcing many businesses to close up shop, an Athens-based energy company, funded in part by NASA, is expanding into a bigger facility.
Sunpower, Inc., founded in 1974, is currently located at 182 Mill St., but is in the process of relocating to a larger site, 1055 E. State St., because the organization has outgrown its current location, said Rusty Jewett, president of the company.
We've more than doubled in size over the past two years Jewett said.
Sunpower partners with NASA to develop products through exclusive contracts, such as a $6.5 million deal with the company in late 2008 to research possible products for space exploration, Jewett said. The relationship is a contributing factor to the company's recent success, he added.
NASA funds us to do basic research (for products used in space flight) said Gary Wood, the company's engine technical leader.
The company has contracts with other organizations, but Jewett declined to discuss them.
Sunpower is known for its free-piston Stirling engine, an external combustion machine that can use a wide variety of fuels and have high electric efficiency, according to the company's website.
The company, which recruits on a national level, employs about 80 people. Jewett said he expects that number to grow.
Although Sunpower recruits nationally, officials said they decided to keep the company in the region because of its employees.
There was a conscious decision to stay in Athens
said Jeff Hatfield, Sunpower's chief financial officer.
About a third of its employees have already made the move to Sunpower's new location, Hatfield said. The move should be completed within six months, he added.
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Tyler Borchers
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The inner workings of Sunpower are displayed in their original location on Mill Street. Because of an expanding project they are doing for NASA, Sunpower will be moving to the southeast section of State Side Technology Park. (Matt Hatcher | Staff Photographer)
Local company expands, relocates
