Congressman Charles Bass

By MaryAlice Gill
The Nashua Telegraph, June 10, 2011

MERRIMACK – Add another big name to the list of prominent folks who have visited GT Solar.

The company, which designs and builds furnaces used to create monocrystalline materials that make LEDs and other solar-power products, has long been a high-profile part of politicans' itineraries in the area.

On Thursday, it was the turn of U.S. Rep. Charlie Bass, who stopped by on what he is calling his "green jobs" tour, meeting with officials, nonprofits, business owners and constituents to discuss alternative energy innovations and technologies.

GT Solar representatives held an hour-long informational meeting with Bass about the company's development as a furnace manufacturer. It exports 100 percent of its furnaces around the world, earning $899 million for fiscal year 2011.

Following a short tour of the GT Solar factory, Bass said he was impressed with everything he heard and saw.