Silfab Solar is transforming renewable energy as North America’s leading solar panel manufacturer. In a sector historically dependent on importing solar cells from Southeast Asia, Silfab is boldly reshaping the industry by bringing solar cell manufacturing onshore to the United States.
“We are on track to be the first solar cell manufacturer in North America,” says Samantha Calkins, Senior HR Manager at Silfab Solar.
However, this vision comes with a critical challenge—building a workforce skilled enough to operate the advanced robotics and automation systems that power Silfab’s state-of-the-art facilities.
To meet this demand, Silfab partnered with Cypress HCM, relying on their expertise to deliver specialized talent for this next chapter in manufacturing.
Driving Innovation in Solar Manufacturing
For years, Silfab faced challenges common across the solar industry, including reliance on imported solar cells. This dependence brought significant hurdles such as high costs, supply chain disruptions, and ethical concerns surrounding overseas production practices.
“Our systems and processes are among the most innovative on the market,” says Calkins. “This is about more than technology. It’s about creating ethical and sustainable production practices right here at home.”
This shift to domestic production has also introduced workforce challenges. Silfab’s advanced robotics and automation systems require highly skilled employees, particularly in engineering and programming. Recruiting this expertise has been no small task, as much of the knowledge in solar technology remains concentrated overseas. To address this gap, Silfab has successfully relocated over 30 scientists and engineers from countries like China, Malaysia, and Taiwan. Yet, the need for skilled talent continues to grow.
Additionally, the transition from manual labor to automation has reshaped hiring requirements across the organization. Silfab’s manufacturing processes now depend on robotics, automation, and programming, requiring operators and technicians who can not only understand the technology but also troubleshoot and maintain it.
“With equipment as precise, critical, and expensive as ours, you have to find people who are experienced, knowledgeable in programming, and proactive,” Calkins explains. “That’s been very challenging.”
Even entry-level positions, which make up 85% of Silfab’s workforce, require skills beyond those typically associated with traditional manufacturing roles. New hires are expected to operate advanced machinery, interpret complex interfaces, and work effectively in a highly automated environment. For many candidates, the idea of navigating robotics and coding feels daunting.
“Even though they’re entry-level positions, it’s hard to find people who walk into our facility feeling comfortable,” Calkins notes. “They’re intimidated by the coding and the robotics.”
The challenges are even greater for maintenance and engineering roles, which are critical to keeping Silfab’s equipment running seamlessly. Fierce competition for this talent adds another layer of complexity to an already demanding recruitment process.
Delivering Talent with Speed and Precision
For Silfab Solar, maintaining a steady pipeline of skilled workers is critical to ensuring its cutting-edge operations run smoothly. Cypress has been instrumental in helping Silfab tackle these workforce challenges. Known for its speed, flexibility, and consultative approach, Cypress has become a trusted partner in addressing the company’s hiring needs.
One of the key advantages of working with Cypress is their ability to dramatically reduce the time it takes to fill open positions. For entry-level production roles, which are vital to Silfab’s operations, Cypress has reduced the typical hiring timeline.
“For production operators, it’s about 28 days, and Cypress can get us those immediately—maybe six days’ time to fill,” explains Calkins. “That includes us interviewing them and scheduling onboarding. It would be even quicker if our internal processes were faster.”
Cypress’s adaptability has also proven invaluable. The team seamlessly navigated Silfab’s complex applicant tracking system (ATS), avoiding delays and ensuring a steady flow of candidates. Direct communication through platforms like Teams and text keeps the hiring process efficient, with Cypress sometimes delivering qualified candidates within a day or two.
A Consultative and Adaptive Partner
Beyond speed, Cypress stands out for its consultative approach. The team thoroughly reviews job descriptions, anticipates potential concerns, and ensures candidates align with Silfab’s technical needs and cultural values. This level of attention has been particularly helpful in bridging communication gaps between HR and hiring managers.
“Darko, our Cypress recruiter, knows our requisitions inside and out,” says Calkins. “He flags potential issues before they arise and ensures his team understands exactly what we’re looking for. That attention to detail is rare.”
Cypress’s willingness to adapt has made them a valuable partner in more ways than one. While their expertise lies in sourcing specialized technicians and engineers, they stepped outside their typical scope to help Silfab hire entry-level production operators during a surge in demand.
“They’ve consistently done a great job with quality technicians and have also helped us with production operators,” says Calkins. “Their ability to adapt sets them apart.”
Unlike transactional staffing agencies, Cypress prioritizes long-term success over short-term gains. This approach is a stark contrast to agencies that rigidly enforce policies or treat partnerships as purely contractual. Cypress’s focus on collaboration and flexibility has been a game-changer for Silfab.
“Other agencies we’ve worked with often hide behind the contract,” says Calkins. “Cypress takes a consultative approach and focuses on getting the right fit for the role, which makes all the difference.”
A Partnership for Long-Term Growth
As Silfab Solar continues to grow, its workforce needs are evolving—particularly with the expansion of its South Carolina plant. Opened last year, this state-of-the-art facility marks a significant milestone in Silfab’s journey to becoming the first solar cell manufacturer in North America. The expansion comes with ambitious hiring goals, including 800 new positions to be filled over the next year.
Cypress’s consultative approach and scalable services position them as a vital part of Silfab’s workforce strategy. “Cypress has proven their ability to support us as we grow, and I’d love for them to be part of our future,” says Calkins.
The partnership between Silfab and Cypress demonstrates the power of collaboration in tackling complex workforce challenges. Through speed, flexibility, and proactive support, Cypress has played an essential role in building the skilled team Silfab needs to lead the solar industry.
