Technology giant, 3M proclaimed that it has planned to construct a production facility for renewable energy products and photovoltaic materials in the Hefei High-tech Park, in association with the Hefei High-tech Industrial Development Area.
The new facility, named 3M Materials Technologies (Hefei) Co., will manufacture a wide range of 3M products such as 3M Scotchshiel Film, a sophisticated solar rear barrier film utilized in crystalline silicon solar modules. The facility will be the ninth production plant for 3M in China. The company plans to build the facility in two phases with construction slated in the second quarter of 2011.
The latest announcement follows 3M’s latest solar material capacity expansions across the world, including Singapore, Germany and the United States. 3M established its worldwide Renewable Energy unit under its Industrial and Transportation Business in 2009 with an objective to develop new products based on the needs of customers. The renewable energy division offers advanced solutions for renewable energy markets, including biofuels, geothermal, wind and solar. It also manufactures automotive, residential and commercial window films for energy saving.
The Vice President and General Manager at 3M Renewable Energy Division, Mike Roman stated that the company is happy about the partnership with Hefei High-tech Industrial Development Area to establish a new plant that expands its solar materials production capacity.
The Hefei High-tech Industrial Development Area, which is China’s first high-tech industrial development zone for new energy solutions, has been approved by the country’s State Council.