PRESS RELEASE: Schweizer Electronic AG: SCHWEIZER implements Diversification Strategy and starts Market Entry into Photovoltaic in Asia
21.11.2011
DGAP-News: Schweizer Electronic AG / Key word(s): Strategic Company
Decision
Schweizer Electronic AG: SCHWEIZER implements Diversification Strategy
and starts Market Entry into Photovoltaic in Asia
21.11.2011 / 11:44
=--------------------------------------------------------------------
SCHWEIZER implements Diversification Strategy and starts Market Entry into
Photovoltaic in Asia
- Start of four production line for photovoltaic cells and modules in
China, each with a capacity of 100 MW
- Investment volume for the first production line between 50 and 60
Million USD
- Cooperation with Schmid Group, World Market Leader for Turnkey
Production lines in the area of PV-Solar
- Set-up of own Distribution Network in Asia
- MoUs signed about Projecting of Solar Parks in two 'Eco-Cities' in
China
Schramberg, November 21, 2011 - Schweizer Electronic AG, one of the leading
manufacturers of premium PCBs as well as innovative solutions and services
for automotive, solar and industry electronics, today informs about first
concrete steps regarding the diversification of their business strategy.
Following the foundation of the business division 'Energy' in spring 2011
the company announced last weekend via an ad hoc release the start of a
production of photovoltaic (PV) - high efficiency modules in Asia as well
as the set-up own sales channels for solar parks in China. The investment
volume for the first production line amounts to 50 to 60 million USD. By
investing anti-cyclically, SCHWEIZER plans to participate in the expected
positive development of the photovoltaic market. 'We believe in the future
of photovoltaic', says Dr. Marc Schweizer, CEO of SCHWEIZER AG, the solar
strategy of the company. 'Just now is the right point in time to enter the
solar business. With our planned production line we are excellently
positioned to directly meet future demands', he explains.
The photovoltaic market ('PV') experiences a growing demand for high
efficiency modules. The present supply shortage will presumably get worse
in future. Particularly due to an excellent cost-performance ratio, high
efficiency modules can contribute to quickly achieving grid parity and
hence to generating competitive power. Additionally, power obtained from
conventional fossil fuel, is expected to become more expensive in future.
However, PV production faces big challenges: Optimum process technology and
high production yields must be guaranteed. Applying most modern and
innovative technologies of the next generation of equipment for the PV
production is necessary to counteract the ongoing high pressure to reduce
cost in cell while simultaneously increasing efficiency and gradually
reducing cost in the long run.
Schweizer Energy fulfils these requirements and will operate a plant for
manufacturing high efficiency modules with up to four 100 MW production
lines in the Chinese City Nantong, about 100 km north-west of Shanghai. The
capacity per production line is among the highest worldwide. Beyond,
production lines are set-up in a modular way to allow for integration of
latest process steps in future.
Cells and modules to be produced feature a degree of efficiency higher 19 %
in the first stage and higher 20 % in the second stage and offer an
excellent cost-performance ratio. This performance is being facilitated by
implementing highly innovative and trend-setting technology which had not
been available before. This technology allows for fully integrating cell
and module manufacturing as well as for reducing consumption of raw
materials. Thus SCHWEIZER will be granted technology leadership, similar to
their core business PCB. The strategic technology partner for the first of
the production lines will be Schmid Group, Freudenstadt. Schmid is an
experienced and long-term equipment supplier of Schweizer Electronic AG and
world market leader for turnkey production lines for wafer, cell and module
production in the area of PV. Product equipment of Schmid uses the most
successful emitter technology, whereof 6 gigawatts (GW) have been sold and
already are in production operation for the most part. Furthermore, the
planned new production plant will employ the revolutionary contact-free
'HiMet' metallization technology with laser transfer and nanoparticles
inkjet printing for the first time.
Dr. Marc Schweizer comments on the cooperation with Schmid Group: 'It is
initially of prominent importance for the marketability of PV modules to
have the right production processes that allow for mass production and
permanent reduction of production cost. On a sustainable basis we have
already proven in our core business of PCB production that we are able to
advance cost-efficient highly qualitative products to series-production
within shortest time using equipment of the latest generation. Now we are
strengthening our expertise with the recognized know-how of our competent
partner Schmid Group.'
Christian Schmid, managing director of Schmid Group, explains the
cooperation with SCHWEIZER: 'SCHWEIZER's recognized core competency in the
area of manufacturing know-how and process optimization in the electronics
industry as well as Schmid's technology competency are an optimum
combination. We dispose of comprehensive experience in quickly ramping-up
turnkey PV cell and module manufacturing projects, whereof more than 90 %
of the process technology is being developed and produced within Schmid
Group. All these factors from a unique basis for a long-term and sustained
success of this investment. The production site will be a milestone for the
next generation of cell and module manufacturing. Operating cost will be
highly competitive on the global PV market. We are looking forward to
realizing this project together with SCHWEIZER.'
Within the area of PV, Asia is an emerging market. Attractive site and
logistics conditions were key in selecting a production location as was an
investment agreement with the City of Nantong. SCHWEIZER was able to win a
strategic co-investor for this project who disposes of an excellent network
in the Asian region. Start of production is planned for 2013. The set-up of
the plant will be accompanied by an Asian management team of SCHWEIZER. The
local team disposes of comprehensive experience in the PV industry and will
be supported by an expert team of Schmid Group.
In parallel to building the PV production SCHWEIZER is working on
setting-up their own sales channels in Asia. Beyond the planned PV
production SCHWEIZER Energy will thus act as a system integrator for the
consulting, projecting and installation monitoring of solar parks and their
maintenance and operations in the area of sales service. For this part of
the business RALOS New Energies AG, Griesheim, will bet he experienced and
competent cooperation partner of SCHWEIZER. RALOS develops, plans, builds
and operates innovative PV parks, predominantly in Europe, whose
performance spectrum covers all system sizes, ranging from private solar
systems to high performance large-scale power plants. The company has
substantial experience in partnering models and international projects.
Target market for Schweizer Energy is Asia Pacific, however, in particular
China. It is planned to sell cells/modules via international sales channels
but also on the local market. The emerging market for renewable energy in
Asia offers excellent entry and growth opportunities. Moreover SCHWEIZER is
still outstandingly well-connected in this region and well-known as a
technology leader, originating from their previous business activity during
the Joint Venture Pentex-Schweizer. Only recently the company succeeded in
closing two MoUs with the Joint Venture Sino Singapore about projection
parks in two of the most important eco-cities (Guangzhou Knowledge City und
Nanjing Eco Hightec Island) in China. This Joint Venture is based on a
treaty between China and Singapore to jointly develop socially a socially
harmonious, environmentally friendly and resource-conserving cities in
China. Hence SCHWEIZER has already opened up first sales channels and is
able to also market modules produced in their own plant in Nantong.
Dr. Marc Schweizer emphasizes: 'In our strategy we have determined to
further explore business areas beyond our successful core business PCB in
order to generate significant revenues for SCHWEIZER Group in the coming
years. By producing high efficiency modules and in parallel establishing
our own sales channels in China, we are convinced to generate further
profitable growth for SCHWEIZER Group. We expect an attractive development
of the photovoltaic market, independent of a possible reduction of
government aids. Within this context, our partners and we have assigned the
highest priority to the topics of cost reduction and mastering
technological challenges in this new business division.'
About Schweizer:
Schweizer Electronic AG is a leading manufacturer of premium PCBs,
innovative solutions and services for automotive, solar and industry
electronics. Based on recognized technology and consultancy competencies,
SCHWEIZER's products and systems address central challenges in the areas of
Power Electronics, Embedding and System Cost Reduction and are
characterized by energy and environmentally friendly features. Together
with its partners Contag GmbH and Meiko Electronics Co. Ltd. the company
offers cost and production optimised solutions for small, medium and large
series and within this network employs more than 13.000 people in Germany,
Japan, China and Vietnam.
With about 750 employees SCHWEIZER achieved sales of 105.4 million Euro in
Fiscal Year 2010 (ending December). The company was founded in 1849, is
managed by family members and listed at the Stuttgart Stock Exchange
(ticker symbol 'SCE', 'ISIN DE 000515623').
About Schmid:
Production Equipment for photovoltaic, PCB, Flat Panel Display
Schmid is global technological market leader and supplier for system and
DGAP-News: Schweizer Electronic AG / Key word(s): Strategic Company
Decision
Schweizer Electronic AG: SCHWEIZER implements Diversification Strategy
and starts Market Entry into Photovoltaic in Asia
21.11.2011 / 11:44
=--------------------------------------------------------------------
SCHWEIZER implements Diversification Strategy and starts Market Entry into
Photovoltaic in Asia
- Start of four production line for photovoltaic cells and modules in
China, each with a capacity of 100 MW
- Investment volume for the first production line between 50 and 60
Million USD
- Cooperation with Schmid Group, World Market Leader for Turnkey
Production lines in the area of PV-Solar
- Set-up of own Distribution Network in Asia
- MoUs signed about Projecting of Solar Parks in two 'Eco-Cities' in
China
Schramberg, November 21, 2011 - Schweizer Electronic AG, one of the leading
manufacturers of premium PCBs as well as innovative solutions and services
for automotive, solar and industry electronics, today informs about first
concrete steps regarding the diversification of their business strategy.
Following the foundation of the business division 'Energy' in spring 2011
the company announced last weekend via an ad hoc release the start of a
production of photovoltaic (PV) - high efficiency modules in Asia as well
as the set-up own sales channels for solar parks in China. The investment
volume for the first production line amounts to 50 to 60 million USD. By
investing anti-cyclically, SCHWEIZER plans to participate in the expected
positive development of the photovoltaic market. 'We believe in the future
of photovoltaic', says Dr. Marc Schweizer, CEO of SCHWEIZER AG, the solar
strategy of the company. 'Just now is the right point in time to enter the
solar business. With our planned production line we are excellently
positioned to directly meet future demands', he explains.
The photovoltaic market ('PV') experiences a growing demand for high
efficiency modules. The present supply shortage will presumably get worse
in future. Particularly due to an excellent cost-performance ratio, high
efficiency modules can contribute to quickly achieving grid parity and
hence to generating competitive power. Additionally, power obtained from
conventional fossil fuel, is expected to become more expensive in future.
However, PV production faces big challenges: Optimum process technology and
high production yields must be guaranteed. Applying most modern and
innovative technologies of the next generation of equipment for the PV
production is necessary to counteract the ongoing high pressure to reduce
cost in cell while simultaneously increasing efficiency and gradually
reducing cost in the long run.
Schweizer Energy fulfils these requirements and will operate a plant for
manufacturing high efficiency modules with up to four 100 MW production
lines in the Chinese City Nantong, about 100 km north-west of Shanghai. The
capacity per production line is among the highest worldwide. Beyond,
production lines are set-up in a modular way to allow for integration of
latest process steps in future.
Cells and modules to be produced feature a degree of efficiency higher 19 %
in the first stage and higher 20 % in the second stage and offer an
excellent cost-performance ratio. This performance is being facilitated by
implementing highly innovative and trend-setting technology which had not
been available before. This technology allows for fully integrating cell
and module manufacturing as well as for reducing consumption of raw
materials. Thus SCHWEIZER will be granted technology leadership, similar to
their core business PCB. The strategic technology partner for the first of
the production lines will be Schmid Group, Freudenstadt. Schmid is an
experienced and long-term equipment supplier of Schweizer Electronic AG and
world market leader for turnkey production lines for wafer, cell and module
production in the area of PV. Product equipment of Schmid uses the most
successful emitter technology, whereof 6 gigawatts (GW) have been sold and
already are in production operation for the most part. Furthermore, the
planned new production plant will employ the revolutionary contact-free
'HiMet' metallization technology with laser transfer and nanoparticles
inkjet printing for the first time.
Dr. Marc Schweizer comments on the cooperation with Schmid Group: 'It is
initially of prominent importance for the marketability of PV modules to
have the right production processes that allow for mass production and
permanent reduction of production cost. On a sustainable basis we have
already proven in our core business of PCB production that we are able to
advance cost-efficient highly qualitative products to series-production
within shortest time using equipment of the latest generation. Now we are
strengthening our expertise with the recognized know-how of our competent
partner Schmid Group.'
Christian Schmid, managing director of Schmid Group, explains the
cooperation with SCHWEIZER: 'SCHWEIZER's recognized core competency in the
area of manufacturing know-how and process optimization in the electronics
industry as well as Schmid's technology competency are an optimum
combination. We dispose of comprehensive experience in quickly ramping-up
turnkey PV cell and module manufacturing projects, whereof more than 90 %
of the process technology is being developed and produced within Schmid
Group. All these factors from a unique basis for a long-term and sustained
success of this investment. The production site will be a milestone for the
next generation of cell and module manufacturing. Operating cost will be
highly competitive on the global PV market. We are looking forward to
realizing this project together with SCHWEIZER.'
Within the area of PV, Asia is an emerging market. Attractive site and
logistics conditions were key in selecting a production location as was an
investment agreement with the City of Nantong. SCHWEIZER was able to win a
strategic co-investor for this project who disposes of an excellent network
in the Asian region. Start of production is planned for 2013. The set-up of
the plant will be accompanied by an Asian management team of SCHWEIZER. The
local team disposes of comprehensive experience in the PV industry and will
be supported by an expert team of Schmid Group.
In parallel to building the PV production SCHWEIZER is working on
setting-up their own sales channels in Asia. Beyond the planned PV
production SCHWEIZER Energy will thus act as a system integrator for the
consulting, projecting and installation monitoring of solar parks and their
maintenance and operations in the area of sales service. For this part of
the business RALOS New Energies AG, Griesheim, will bet he experienced and
competent cooperation partner of SCHWEIZER. RALOS develops, plans, builds
and operates innovative PV parks, predominantly in Europe, whose
performance spectrum covers all system sizes, ranging from private solar
systems to high performance large-scale power plants. The company has
substantial experience in partnering models and international projects.
Target market for Schweizer Energy is Asia Pacific, however, in particular
China. It is planned to sell cells/modules via international sales channels
but also on the local market. The emerging market for renewable energy in
Asia offers excellent entry and growth opportunities. Moreover SCHWEIZER is
still outstandingly well-connected in this region and well-known as a
technology leader, originating from their previous business activity during
the Joint Venture Pentex-Schweizer. Only recently the company succeeded in
closing two MoUs with the Joint Venture Sino Singapore about projection
parks in two of the most important eco-cities (Guangzhou Knowledge City und
Nanjing Eco Hightec Island) in China. This Joint Venture is based on a
treaty between China and Singapore to jointly develop socially a socially
harmonious, environmentally friendly and resource-conserving cities in
China. Hence SCHWEIZER has already opened up first sales channels and is
able to also market modules produced in their own plant in Nantong.
Dr. Marc Schweizer emphasizes: 'In our strategy we have determined to
further explore business areas beyond our successful core business PCB in
order to generate significant revenues for SCHWEIZER Group in the coming
years. By producing high efficiency modules and in parallel establishing
our own sales channels in China, we are convinced to generate further
profitable growth for SCHWEIZER Group. We expect an attractive development
of the photovoltaic market, independent of a possible reduction of
government aids. Within this context, our partners and we have assigned the
highest priority to the topics of cost reduction and mastering
technological challenges in this new business division.'
About Schweizer:
Schweizer Electronic AG is a leading manufacturer of premium PCBs,
innovative solutions and services for automotive, solar and industry
electronics. Based on recognized technology and consultancy competencies,
SCHWEIZER's products and systems address central challenges in the areas of
Power Electronics, Embedding and System Cost Reduction and are
characterized by energy and environmentally friendly features. Together
with its partners Contag GmbH and Meiko Electronics Co. Ltd. the company
offers cost and production optimised solutions for small, medium and large
series and within this network employs more than 13.000 people in Germany,
Japan, China and Vietnam.
With about 750 employees SCHWEIZER achieved sales of 105.4 million Euro in
Fiscal Year 2010 (ending December). The company was founded in 1849, is
managed by family members and listed at the Stuttgart Stock Exchange
(ticker symbol 'SCE', 'ISIN DE 000515623').
About Schmid:
Production Equipment for photovoltaic, PCB, Flat Panel Display
Schmid is global technological market leader and supplier for system and
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