Aug 21 2008
A global strategic partnership to benefit the emerging photovoltaic (PV) industry for solar-cell energy applications was signed today by two leaders in advanced automation -- U.S.-based Northfield Automation Systems, Inc. and German-based Solarcoating Machinery GmbH.
One point of contact is the benefit for new PV companies as they gear up manufacturing operations by tapping into the strengths of both partners. Until now, PV startups worked with multiple sources to build their factories. In addition, existing solar manufacturers can more easily move from silicon to thin-film technology. Potential customers include OEMs serving energy, building material manufacturers and consumer markets.
Northfield Automation brings a full range of custom machinery for roll-to-roll processing of precision thin-material applications, such as solar cells, working primarily in the United States. Solarcoating Machinery brings the full range of equipment needed to make solar cells and assemble finished PV modules for customers in Europe. Both privately held companies benefit from expanded opportunities and global market share, in addition to an international base of on-site technical support and spare parts distribution services.
"We are each highly experienced in our corners of the world and plan to support and learn from each other," states Brett Reese, president and CEO of Northfield Automation Systems. "We share a common business philosophy of excellent customer service and highly reliable, cost-effective manufacturing solutions that will bring true value to customers."
Solarcoating Machinery's managing director, Thomas Kolbusch, says: "We are always seeking innovative ways to meet the needs of the solar energy business community. Establishing a partnership for automation products and services in the United States was our next logical step."
According to NanoMarkets, the thin-film PV market will produce the equivalent of 26GW by 2015 and will generate well over $20 billion in revenues in that same time frame.
Both companies will have exhibits at the 23rd European PV Solar Energy Conference in Valencia, Spain, September 1 through 5.