The first barge shipment of large equipment arrived at the Wacker site in Charleston, Tenn. this week. Five tanks with a capacity of over 20,000 gallons traveled from Europe to become part of the local site's complex production system for hyperpure polysilicon.

The first barge shipment of large equipment arrived at the Wacker Polysilcon site in Charleston, Tenn. Five tanks - each with a capacity of over 20,000 gallons - traveled from Europe to become part of the local site's complex production system for hyperpure polysilicon.

The first barge shipment of large production equipment has arrived at the Wacker Polysilicon plant construction site in Charleston, Tenn.

Five tanks, each with a capacity of over 20,000 gallons, traveled from Europe to become part of the local site's complex production system for hyperpure polysilicon, the German company said in a press release.

Two days were dedicated to preparation of the unloading dock and transportation of the tanks from a barge in Charleston to the company's nearby site.

"We have taken utmost care to ensure the highest safety actions and environmental care in the transport of these tanks," said Martin Richtberg, vice president of engineering and head of the construction project, in a statement.

He said the tanks are double walled and have specialized coatings that support the plant's production process, which is slated to begin late 2013.

Konrad Bachhuber, vice president and site manager for Wacker Polysilicon North America, said the tanks' arrival represents a major milestone in the construction of the $1.8 billion plant that will make polysilicon for the solar industry.

"The tanks have a central function in Wacker Polysilicon's unique production process," he said. The plant will employ some 650 full-time workers.