A new business operation, Island Solar, is planning to establish a manufacturing base on the Island, producing state-of-the-art solar panels using the latest technology from America.

The business says it has chosen the Isle of Wight for good business reasons including the lower cost of land and buildings and the availability of suitably skilled labour.

The directors are also impressed by a positive attitude to environmental issues and the lifestyle benefits living on the Island can bring.

Mike King, Enterprise Hub director for the Isle of Wight Economic Partnership said: "Following the success of NEG Micon Rotors, the Danish wind turbine blade producers on St Cross Business Park, the Economic Partnership is keen to attract other companies in the renewable energy sector. The Island has the potential to accommodate new businesses in this sector, positioning the Island as a centre of excellence for renewable energy. NEG Micon has created hundreds of jobs since their arrival. Who is to say that others in the sector could not create thousands of Island jobs in the future?"

Andrew Austin, chief executive of Island Solar, described some of the operation's short-term requirements: "We expect the Island Solar facility to employ around 80 people over the coming twelve months. We plan to set up the production facility on the Island over the summer months and will begin a full recruitment process in the autumn. At the moment we are keen to recruit an experienced operations manager to help set up the manufacturing facility. The appointment will be key to the success of the venture, involving working with partners across the globe, employing new teams of staff and implementing the operational plans. As well as maintaining daily control of the operations this appointment will have a senior role to play in managing the business."

The Partnership's Inward Investment team have played a major part in attracting Island Solar to the Isle of Wight and initially will be co-ordinating the recruitment of key personnel.

In the first instance please send expressions of interest to Matthew Hill at the Inward Investment Team, The Innovation Centre, St Cross Business Park, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5WB