Regular contributor to PES, Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum remains one of the most consistent operators in a constantly evolving industry. In this issue, we speak to Dr. Marlis Sydow, Head of Market Segment SOLAR/SEMI/COATING and Head of Market Research Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum.
PES: Welcome back to the magazine. When we last spoke, you were focussed on your operations in China. How is business for you in Europe at the moment?
Dr. Marlis Sydow: Business in Europe is quite on track and developing as we expected. Despite the diminished growth scenario due to the impacts of the Euro crisis on the European economy and a generally weakening machinery market, we still see very interesting projects coming up. Project inquiries show that there are potential and firm business opportunities in the market in a wide variety of industrial areas.
PES: Are any countries showing particular signs of growth for you?
MS: Though the statistics show also reduces growth rates for Asia, and especially for China compared to the boom years, the growth rates in these regions are still considerably higher than in the rest of the world. Yet we do see a decisive recovery of the US economy and a markedly positive development in Japan. However, this is the global view of the vacuum markets.
PES: And what of the PV market specifically?
MS: For the vacuum part of the photovoltaic markets, the overall level is low, development still weak and reluctant due to the recent trade war between the EU and China, and the still prevailing overcapacities. China is more active in investing into new PV technologies than the rest of the world.
The markets will consolidate again and we expect that after the latest agreement there will be a recovery. For Germany especially it will be interesting to see the development, as the state subsidiaries are diminishing constantly and the end user will consider the changed investment parameters. The general recovery of the PV markets may well take until later next year.
PES: The EPIA is currently focussing on improving build quality within the industry. Have you been involved with these discussions, and how much is this an issue for you and your customers?
MS: We understand this issue as it is if major concern for the end customer and the quality of the individual panels and the installed base. Quality starts already when the panels are produced and that is exactly when vacuum is used in the process.
