Applied Materials’ Varian VIISta ion implant platform will be using Praxair Electronics’ UpTime sub-atmospheric dopant gas delivery system. Praxair Electronics noted that it is also the preferred sub-atmospheric dopant supplier for the Solion implant tool developed by Varian Semiconductor Equipment.
Hydro One Networks, NEC and ON Semiconductor have joined Semiconductor Research Corporation’s (SRC) global Energy Research Initiative (ERI) joining established members such as Applied Materials, Bosch, First Solar and IBM. The now 10 member ERI will continue to focus on finding new materials, devices and methodologies for power control/management and energy collection, conversion and storage.
Dow Corning announced that it had contracted Bardawil Group to distribute its silicon-based solar solutions for the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Bardawil will market and support Dow Corning’s solar products while additionally representing the company at strategic conferences and exhibitions in the specified region.
IDEA Polysilicon Company has selected centrotherm SiTec to provide basic engineering and the technology concepts for its first 10,000MT capacity polysilicon plant to be built in the city of Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. Actual construction timelines were not disclosed.
PV module encapsulant material supplier, STR Holdings warned late last week that sales would not meet previously guided levels. The company had previously guided sales to be in the range of US$44-US$48 million. However STR has revised guidance to approximately US$36.5 million, well below that level.
PPG Industries advised that its flat glass business in Fresno will be expanding its production capability in order to better allow the manufacturing of the company’s Solarphire PV glass. The move aims to serve solar customers throughout California, the West Coast and even Asia with a faster shipping timeframe.
Dow Corning’s JV polysilicon subsidiary, Hemlock Semiconductor was impacted by overcapacity in 2011. Like major competitor, Wacker sales were lower and demand weakened. Overall, Dow Corning recorded record sales of US$6.43 billion in 2011 while adjusted net income decreased 15% compared to 2010. The company does not breakout polysilicon sales.
Continued overcapacity and weak demand in the wafering sector has forced Bekaert to reduce wire saw manufacturing capacity with the loss of 1,250 jobs. Restructuring started in December 2011, which included reducing production in China.
Continuing with the impact of overcapacity and falling prices, REC has said that another long-term wafer sales contract signed in the 2006-2008 period had been terminated. REC said that it would receive a cash compensation of approximately US$34.2 million (NOK 220 million) in relation to the cancellation. REC did not disclose the customer involved.
The Ontario Superior Court of Justice gave Timminco, and its subsidiary Bécancour Silicon, an extension of the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act stay of proceedings. The stay proceeds will now be allowed to continue until April 30.
