Heraeus Photovoltaics Opens Front-side Metallization Paste Production in Taiwan

TAIPEI, Taiwan, Oct. 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Heraeus Photovoltaics, the worldwide leading supplier of metallization solutions to the PV industry, today announced it would begin manufacturing front-side metallization paste in Taipei, Taiwan as part of its continuing expansion in the region. Manufacturing is expected to begin by November 1, 2015.

The expansion to add front-side metallization production to the company's regional operations is in response to the growing role Taiwan is playing for Heraeus Photovoltaics' growth strategy. The move will complement the local sales, technical staff and back-side paste production that currently exists in Taiwan. The expanded presence in Taiwan will enable Heraeus to provide a more comprehensive and integrated approach to supporting customers in Taiwan and across the Asia-Pacific region.

According to Andreas Liebheit, President of Heraeus Photovoltaics, superior supply chain management to customers is a driving force to expand capabilities in Taiwan. "In order for us to offer customization and shorten lead times for customers, it is vital to have a strong operational presence where our customers are, and Taiwan has grown to become an important market for us," he said. Noting the benefits of a strong supply chain in Taiwan, Mr. Liebheit added. "Adding local front-side metalization paste production capabilities will enable us to collaborate with our customers more closely and raise the bar in terms of the responsive service we provide to them", states Pete Horan, Vice President Operations of Heraeus Photovoltaics.

The start of local production of front-side paste in Taiwan by Heraeus is the next step in the company's customer-orientated localization strategy for the market. In 2012 the Taiwan site started manufacturing back-side paste. In 2014 the company opened local manufacturing in China, complemented by the installation of two Product Modification labs (PML) in China and Taiwan in early 2015.

About the Heraeus Photovoltaics Global Business Unit

The Heraeus Photovoltaics Business Unit is an industry leading developer and manufacturer of silver metallization pastes for the photovoltaic industry. For over 40 years, Heraeus has built a reputation of innovation, extensive research and new product development in thick film technologies for some of the most prominent companies within a variety of industries. In the field of photovoltaics, the Heraeus Photovoltaics Business Unit applies this history and its innovative technology to offer metallization pastes for solar cell applications. The Heraeus SOL Series of silver pastes is specially formulated to provide higher efficiencies and wider processing windows, resulting in better yields and higher output for cell manufacturers.

Heraeus, the technology group headquartered in Hanau, Germany, is a leading international family-owned company formed in 1851. With expertise, a focus on innovations, operational excellence and an entrepreneurial leadership, we strive to continuously improve our business performance.

We create high-quality solutions for our clients and strengthen their competitiveness in the long term by combining material expertise with technological know-how. Our ideas are focused on themes such as the environment, energy, health, mobility and industrial applications. Our portfolio ranges from components to coordinated material systems which are used in a wide variety of industries, including the steel, electronics, chemical, automotive and telecommunications industries.

In the 2014 financial year, Heraeus generated product revenues of €3.4 bn and precious metal revenues of €12.2bn euros. With around 12,600 employees worldwide in more than 100 subsidiaries in 38 countries, Heraeus holds a leading position in its global markets.

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SOURCE Heraeus