Benteler Mechanical Engineering is bringing its vast experience in the glass industry to the global PV market. Managing Director Martin Schnitker talks to PES about what they bring to the table…
PES: Benteler Mechanical Engineering was originally focused on automotive and architectural glass processing machinery. Looking back, has your diversification into the solar/PV arena been a success and what are your plans for the future?
Martin Schnitker: Using a market analysis and the strategy elaborated in 2006, we considered which markets would be attractive for us to expand our business with using our existing competencies.
We wanted to enter a market that would enjoy dynamic growth. It made good sense to develop the solar segment, since Benteler Mechanical Engineering already worked with related processes and possessed the relevant competencies. Important to note here is that we can do pre-processing work and supply solutions for module assembly for solar products as well. Furthermore, many years of experience in glass processing has made Benteler a recognisable, competent partner in the solar industry, enhancing our chances for a rapid and successful market entry.
In a first step, we were particularly focused on thin film module assembly-lines. Due to the decline in prices for carbon silicon, however, it was necessary to develop solutions for crystalline module production.
By concentrating on the development of solutions for foil management, tape applications, and framing stations, Benteler Mechanical Engineering was able to quickly establish itself as a well-known supplier for solar module production.
PES: How do the needs of your solar glass manufacturer clients differ from your other clients?
MS: The requirements of the solar segment are similar to those of automotive glass customers. Their essential considerations concern the “total cost of ownership”, production plant availability, and reject rates. A good data connection to an operations production planning system is also important. This is a special challenge which we are able to meet through strong in-house competence in IT solutions.
