Germany-based PV materials manufacturer Heraeus is to open new R&D centres in mainland China and Taiwan.
The move is the latest in a series of internationalisation plays by the metallisation paste specialist, which last year moved its main R&D operation to the United States, relocated its PV business unit to Shanghai and began silver paste production in China.
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“The opening of R&D facilities in mainland China and Taiwan demonstrates our dedication to our photovoltaic customers in these geographic markets,” said Andreas Liebheit, head of Heraeus Photovoltaics Global Business Unit.
“The core of our research and development is in the United States, and we have already realised the great benefits with faster innovation using this strategy. However, we have a strong market reputation for product customisations to meet a customer's specific product needs. This can be best achieved by having our resources closer to our customers' facilities.”
Liebheit said the move would enable the company to reduce the time it takes to modify its products for key customers. He said Heraeus would be hiring local employees to fill the newly created regional roles in the company.
“Heraeus is a company with global resources, and to truly support our customers, we must also have a strong local presence in key markets to meet customer needs.”
The company announced the new R&D centres at the SNEC show taking place in Shanghai this week, where it is also showcasing new modifications to its SOL205B back-side tabbing paste and SOL9621 series of front-side metallisation paste.
