Last month’s SNEC exhibition in Shanghai saw Manz Automation bring in new orders and letters of intent to the value of €25 million. The orders were for the company’s laser structuring and wet-chemical processing systems for thin-film modules, and its crystalline cell manufacturing machinery.
Manz’s recently-launched SpeedPicker automation system was particularly popular, with a high number of orders coming from Asian firms looking to create a fully-automated production process. The company’s OneStep selective emitter technology also received several follow-up orders from European clients.
“We continue to report strong demand for our products from the solar area,” Dieter Manz, CEO of Manz, said. “A particularly positive point to note in this context is that, along with a continued high level of new order inflow in the crystalline solar cellar area, the thin film area is now also picking up significantly.
“Investment projects that have already long been in the planning stage are now gradually being actually implemented, especially where Asian manufacturers are concerned. Our aim is not simply to participate in this positive trend, but also to play an active role in helping to structure it. We are optimally prepared for this with our innovative and groundbreaking technology portfolio.”
To cater for increasing demand for its products in Asia, last year Manz decided to increase the manufacturing capacity of its Chinese operation by opening a new factory in Suzhou. The site employs 350 people and produces wet-chemical systems for the FPD and PCB industry, and was officially opened on February 25, 2011.
“China is already an enormously important market for us that will continue to grow in importance in the future. We regard geographic proximity to our customers as a critical competitive advantage in this context, allowing us to best meet the Chinese photovoltaic industry's requirements. With the expansion of our production capacities and vertical range of manufacturing on a local basis, Manz Automation will enjoy an excellent starting base in the future to continue its path of dynamic growth,” Manz added.