A byword for quality in the extrusion sector, Breyer GmbH is one of Germany’s most established and forward-thinking businesses. Today, the company is recognised throughout the world as one of the leading manufacturers of systems for the processing of thermoplastics and has specialised in economically working extrusion lines.
With over 320 employees, Breyer produces an impressive turnover of approximately Euro 65 million; while export covers about 90% of the company’s business. We spoke to Joachim Bormann and Rolf Preuschoff.
PES: Welcome to the magazine. Would you first like to introduce your company and explain how you serve the PV market?
Joachim Bormann: Breyer is a family-owned company with about 320 employees. The machines sold by Breyer are developed, designed and manufactured by the company themselves. To ensure a perfect film, Breyer developed a special processing unit to combine a high output with minimum shrinkage.
Full support is offered, starting with TÜV-certified recipes, while a dosing system up to the winder completes the Breyer Machine program. Furthermore Breyer offers the manufacturing of EVA film on their production line for pre-marketing. In this way, customers can make progress within the market before they start with their own production.
PES: How much of your organisation’s entire business is PV focussed? Is the sector a priority for you?
Rolf Preuschoff: About 20% of Breyer’s business is related to the PV market, and the thinking behind this is our high priority and high knowledge. Breyer has an own full-scale lab line and a fully-equipped laboratory that enables us to have test runs with customers. The products can be checked on site. Also, we have close relationships with several panel-makers that enable us to provide the best support to Breyer customers.
PES: Can you tell us a little about your operation in China and your plans for this region going forward?
Joachim Bormann: Actually Breyer has two lines installed in China. And in addition to these lines, Breyer supports the customer with the formulation of Ultra-Fast-Cure Film, inline edge trim-feedback and a TÜV-approval assistance.
PES: And how important is Europe to your long-term plans? Is there a particular region that is more encouraging than others for you right now?
Rolf Preuschoff: Breyer works closely with European EVA manufacturers as well as manufacturers of alternative materials. However, at the moment, the main growing market is Asia. A number of the companies have transferred their business to China, while locating parts of the development process still in Europe.
PES: In the past, the production of EVA film has been complicated by shrinkage. How have you eliminated this problem?
Joachim Bormann: Breyer has developed a complete new machine – the so called “processing unit”. This unique machine, which is the heart of the line, enables the customer to run high output in combination with low shrinkage at a minimum power usage.
The processing unit has the highest flexibility to personalise the EVA-film in nearly all requested designs. The size of the machine, usage of power, flexibility and online recipe modification is unique. In addition, a high safety strategy is implemented on board.
PES: Similarly, this new extrusion line can be considered a ‘greener’ production method. Can you expand upon this?
Rolf Preuschoff: The processing unit does not need any annealing furnace or similar equipment. It is a closed system that just requires electricity at a low level. During production, only approx. 0.8kW/kg is required. And water is required just for filling the system.
