Looks like Tennessee is developing a knack for attracting cleantech companies. The German firm Wacker Chemie AG plans to build a $1 billion facility in Bradley County. The factory will produce polycrystalline silicon — a principal component used to make solar panels — and is expected to create up to 500 long-term jobs. As relayed by the Nashville Business Journal,

Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen is expected to join a host of other officials in Bradley County today to make the official announcement.

“This announcement further enhances Tennessee’s growing reputation as an innovation center in the development and manufacture of clean energy technologies,” Bredesen said in a prepared statement. “I appreciate Wacker Chemie’s investment in Tennessee and its recognition of the productivity of Tennessee workers, and I’m very pleased the company believes this is the best place to enhance its position in this growing economic sector.”

After the Hemlock announcement late last year, Bredesen tasked Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber with attracting six to 10 new companies to the state this year that complement Hemlock, along with other green businesses.

The facility won’t be the first of its kind in the state. In December 2008, Hemlock Semiconductor announced plans for a $1.2 billion polysilicon production facility in Clarksville. That project is expected to create up to 800 jobs.

Bottom line? I’d suggest that Tennessee has joined other states — like Oregon (e.g., Portland and Hillsboro), Texas (e.g., Austin and El Paso) and Nevada, among others –  in the scramble to attract cleantech investment.