EANS-News: centrotherm photovoltaics AG
centrotherm photovoltaics announces
successful ramp-up of silicon production for further customer in China
Blaubeuren (euro adhoc) -
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Company Information
Blaubeuren, August 18, 2009 - The silicon division of centrotherm photovoltaics AG has just marked up an additional success: the company's one hundred percent subsidiary, centrotherm SiTec GmbH, has put a plant into operation to manufacture polysilicon at its customer Shaanxi Tianhong Silicon Industrial Corporation at Xian City in China. centrotherm SiTec, in which centrotherm photovoltaics has bundled its silicon expertise since autumn 2008, created the factory concept, developed the process flow, and provided assistance for planning and implementation. The key equipment was also sourced from Blaubeuren. The initial development step entails annual production of around 1,250 tons of polysilicon. The production is prospectively targeting microelectronics quality, as required particularly for chip manufacturing, as well as for solar cells.
"This project represents a milestone for us, because we have rendered core services for Shaanxi in connection with the creation of a complete silicon factory," commented Robert M. Hartung, CEO of centrotherm photovoltaics. "Shaanxi is a further example that shows that silicon projects can also be implemented in the current difficult market environment. Our strong market position in Asia and our customers' long-term investment horizons help us to continue to grow, also in periods of crisis." It was only as recently as March 2009 that centrotherm photovoltaics successfully started to operate its first polysilicon equipment, and produce silicon for the first time at the production location of an Asian customer. Dr. Albrecht Mozer, CEO and CTO of centrotherm SiTec, emphasized the following point: "The realization of this project allows us to show that we can supply the complete process on a single source basis, all the way from designing and planning, through the provision and installation of the key equipment, and on to the start of operations." With this second success in Asia, centrotherm photovoltaics is underscoring its expertise in the silicon production area, and affirming the potential of this business area.
About centrotherm photovoltaics AG centrotherm photovoltaics AG, headquartered in Blaubeuren, is one of the world's leading technology and equipment providers for the manufacturing of solar silicon, crystalline solar cells and CIGS thin film modules. The broad product spectrum comprises key equipment and turnkey production lines for crystalline and thin film solar cells. The product range is supplemented by reactors and converters for the manufacturing of solar silicon. centrotherm photovoltaics guarantees its customers important performance parameters such as production capacity, degree of efficacy, and completion deadlines for turnkey lines. The Group employs around 1,100 staff members, and operates in Europe, Asia and the USA. centrotherm photovoltaics achieved revenue in the 2008 financial year of EUR375 million, EBIT of EUR56 million*, and is listed in the TecDax of the Frankfurt Securities Exchange. (*before purchase price allocations)
centrotherm photovoltaics AG Johannes-Schmid-Strasse 8 89143 Blaubeuren Internet: www.centrotherm.de ISIN: DE000A0JMMN2 WKN: A0JMMN Admitted to the Regulated Market/Prime Standard, Frankfurt Securities Exchange Corporate domicile: Germany
end of announcement euro adhoc
Further inquiry note:
Company contact:
Saskia Schultz-Ebert
Senior Manager Investor Relations
Tel: +49 7344 918-8890
E-mail: saskia.schultz-ebert@centrotherm.de
Press contact:
Christina Siebels, Grit Pauli
HOSCHKE & CONSORTEN Public Relations GmbH
Tel: +49 40 3690 50-58 /-31
E-mail: c.siebels@hoschke.de; g.pauli@hoschke.de
Branche: Energy
ISIN: DE000A0JMMN2
WKN: A0JMMN
Index: TecDAX
Börsen: Frankfurt / regulated dealing/prime standard
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