Heraeus, a precious metals and technology group, announced that its Photovoltaics Business Unit is expanding its production capacity as well as research and development facilities across the world.
The expansions are ongoing in Hanau, Taiwan, Shanghai and Singapore and will be completed by 4Q of 2012. The expansion program may promote further development in the PV industry.
Andy London, the Heraeus Photovoltaics Business Unit’s Global Manager, remarked that they anticipate considerable growth in the PV sector in the future. He added that as they receive positive feedback on their new SOL9600 series of front-side pastes, it is necessary for the company to make investment in product innovation, production capacity and R&D to meet its customers’ needs. The pastes include a wider processing window for increased manufacturing yields and enhance cell efficiency. Currently, Shanghai and Hanau facilities are being upgraded with new design and equipment to increase both production and technical capacity.
Additionally, a new facility is being constructed in Taiwan and is scheduled to be completed in the 3Q of 2012. Once the facility is fully operational, it will offer production, marketing and technical services to the local market. The Taiwan and Shanghai facilities will manufacture back-side pastes. Heraeus’ facility in Singapore is expanding its production of SOL9600 series pastes.