GT Solar International declared that it has obtained a $218.9 million purchase order from Guizhou Haotian Optoelectronics Technology (HTOT) for its latest sapphire crystallization furnaces.
The order depicts the entry of HTOT into the emerging LED segment. It also enables GT Solar International to continue its domination in the development of innovative sapphire furnaces and drive market demand for its sapphire crystalline growth technology. The purchase order will be added in GT Solar’s backlog for its first quarter of FY12, which completes on July 2, 2011.
Hao Xu, Chairman of Guizhou Industrial Investment Group, stated that their entry into the LED segment has provided a new development opportunity not only for their firm but also for China’s Guizhou region. He mentioned that the latest sapphire production plant will enable to augment economic development in Guizhou and make HTOT as a major materials provider to the LED market.
Hao Xu added that they needed a technology collaborator who can supply competent machineries and offer installation support to quickly start their project. He added that they chose GT solar for its sophisticated technology, established performance and experience, enabling low-cost and high volume production.
Tom Gutierrez, President and CEO of GT Solar, expressed his pleasure in being chosen by HTOT. He stated that firms willing to enter the emerging LED market are showing continuous interest in GT Solar products. He mentioned that their sapphire crystal growth technology offers an established procedure of developing materials of high quality. Increased volume and cost-effective production are enabled by their worldwide installation and support services.
The sapphire furnace technology was developed after four decades of process enhancements at Crystal Systems, a major supplier of high quality sapphire material for the LED, optical and mechanical segments. Crystal Systems was acquired by GT Solar in July 2010.