centrotherm photovoltaics AG is on course for expansion, committing investments at its Blaubeuren headquarters in view of high order volumes. In the coming months the production area at the southern German site, currently 23,000 square meters, will be extended by a third to comprise a total of some 31,000 square meters. The investment volume is in the double-digit million euro range. At Blaubeuren, the world’s leading technology and equipment provider in the photovoltaics sector manufactures key equipment for the production of solar cells. This includes tube furnaces for phosphorous diffusion (POCl3) and batch-type systems for anti-reflective coating (PECVD systems) of solar cells, as well as firing furnaces in which front and rear contacts are burnt onto the solar wafer at high temperatures.
“By expanding our production area we will be able to produce over 100 systems a month, thereby meeting the high level of customer demand for our key equipment – both promptly and in excellent quality”, said Dr. Dirk Stenkamp, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Board Member of centrotherm photovoltaics AG. “At the same time, this expansion in Blaubeuren is a clear commitment to Germany as a manufacturing location, as well as the region of Baden-Württemberg.” The investment will also create new training and job vacancies at centrotherm photovoltaics as well as among its suppliers.
Over the last months, production capacity has already been significantly expanded by means of optimized structures and processes. Manufacturing output already tripled in 2010 to a level of 60 systems per month. With new record order levels of more than one billion euros (1,049.8 million euros) in fiscal 2010, centrotherm photovoltaics has equipment orders on hand to take the company well into 2011.
