SKC received a $350,000 state grant to purchase equipment, as the company works to open a manufacturing plant to produce the film that encases solar panels.

The grant will actually go to the Newton County Industrial Development Authority, which will assist SKC in its efforts, according to a press release from Gov. Nathan Deal's office.

The Korean-based manufacturer is planning to open the first phase of its solar film production plant in September 2011 and is in the process of hiring around 50-60 workers, said Shannon Davis, the chamber's industry retention officer. Previously, the jobs were expected to have a salary of at least $35,000 per year.

Once the plant is fully built out, it will be a $100 million investment and employ 120 workers. According to the release, Newton County was competing with Texas to land the new plant.

The state gave out a total of nine Economic Development Growth and Expansion awards, totaling $2.5 million, for projects that will create 1,300 jobs and total $310 million in investments.