Paris and Luxembourg 22nd May 2014 – Thomson and ASTAR EnR announce the agreement between the two companies to ensure the production and distribution of PV modules of the French brand in Asia. While the future of the European PV sector is instable, the directors of both companies define a production and sales structure for the production of PV modules compliant with the European regulations worldwide.
At the end of January 2014, for the first time GHT GLOBAL starts the production of PV modules with the brand THOMSON supported by ELIFRANCE, the factory located in Talaudière (Loire area), belonging to Pufin Group (Italy). Now, following the regulations of the government in France and the ones coming from the European Commission, these PV modules are assembled with 95% European components. Because of the recent abrogation of the financial support mechanism in France, the PV players have changed their strategy of development and THOMSON speeds now its international growth plan. Erick Haziza, the president of Global GHT, explains: “To maintain our forecasts and ensure our investments in France, since 2013, we have decided to anticipate the program for the development of THOMSON in the renewable energy sector and we have chosen ASTAR EnR, a specialist in the marketing of PV modules in Europe and Asia, whose competence is excellent.”
The R&D and the design of THOMSON PV modules remain a prerogative of France in Suresnes, the production for France and Europe remains at ELIFRANCE in Saint-Etienne and the production for Asia in China. “Producing in France to export to Asia makes no sense, neither in terms of finances nor in terms of sustainable development. We have cooperated with ASTAR EnR to give the conditions, French conditions, for the production in China. We’ve committed to export the brand THOMSON, according to our requirements and to spread rapidly.” Romain Venet, CEO of Global GHT, affirms. ASTAR EnR is glad too about the collaboration in Asia: “Our unit ASTAR EnR Hong Kong is well positioned in this area, above all in China. We’ve established commercial relationships with the players in the Chinese production for a long time and there, the French influence will be now a plus for innovation and quality. We believe one single company can’t do all this kind of business by itself with the same level of excellence. Our agreement allows THOMSON focus on the development of its product, according to its strict quality requirements, while trade in Asia will be managed by ASTAR EnR. This combination is a guarantee of high performance to finally begin to reverse the trend towards Asia” Jean-Ange Martin, CEO ASTAR EnR, confirms.
Further, the agreement provides the establishment of offices THOMSON by ASTAR EnR in all the countries. “We will install units of 10 professionals in each country to provide sales points, technical qualification for projects and customer care. Through this proximity and the respect of the local culture, we hope to help build a unified photovoltaic culture in Europe and Asia. We develop a local strategy in a global context “Jean-Ange Martin adds.
For now, THOMSON polycrystalline 240-260W and mono-crystalline 220-275W modules are the main sizes to be distributed by ASTAR EnR. Sales forecasts for this year are 50 MW for players located in China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan.
ASTAR EnR
65, Boulevard Grande
Duchesse Charlotte
L-1331 Luxembourg
Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
http://www.astar-enr.com
Thomson Energy
40 Boulevard Henri Sellier
92150 Suresnes
France
www.thomson-energy.fr
