SolarWorld Group invests $26 million for new module line in Camarillo
Camarillo, June 25, 2007 - After the acquisition of Shell Solar one year ago, the expansion of the SolarWorld production site in Camarillo is taking shape: In the last few weeks the first machines for the new higher speed solar module line were installed, including automated precision robots. Various suppliers were on-site to perform these installations.
The manufacturing will be transferred from the old machines to the new production plant step-by-step over the coming months. The installation of the new higher performance machines will increase the module production capacity in Camarillo from 35 to 100 megawatts per year. SolarWorld will invest about $26 million in the Camarillo site by the end of this year. The building that previously housed the module assembly line will be used for expanding the warehouse capabilities, which will allow for faster shipping of customer orders.
At the same time, another expansion is taking place in Camarillo: SolarWorld California, the Sales division that services the US market, has grown and moved into a newly reconstructed building.
These two expansions happen at the same time when the roots of the company reach back exactly 30 years: In 1977, the solar company was founded, which today is known as SolarWorld Industries America. On June 28th, SolarWorld employees celebrate these successful years together with their customers, friends and guests from the local business and political communities.
About the SolarWorld group
The SolarWorld group (ISIN: DE0005108401) is a worldwide leader in offering brand-name, high-quality, crystalline solar-power technology. Its strength is its fully integrated solar production. From silicon as the raw material through wafers, cells and modules all the way to turn-key solar systems, including recycling, the group combines all stages of the solar value chain. The central business activity is selling quality modules into the installation and distribution trades and crystalline wafers to the international solar cell industry. Group headquarters are located in Bonn, Germany. Production sites are to be found in Germany, the United States and South Korea. The group’s largest production facilities operate in Freiberg, Germany and Hillsboro in the U.S. state of Oregon. Sustainability is the basis of the group strategy. Under the name Solar2World, the group supports care projects using off-grid solar-power solutions in emerging economies and developing countries, exemplifying sustainable economic development. Worldwide, SolarWorld employs more than 2,700 people. SolarWorld AG has been quoted on the stock exchange since 1999 and today is listed on, among others, the TecDAX, ÖkoDAX, Dow Jones STOXX 600 as well as in the sustainability indices DAXglobal Alternative Energy and NAI.
www.solarworld-usa.com
Media Contact:
Ben Santarris
Public affairs manager
SolarWorld
25300 N.W. Evergreen Road
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Mobile: 503 927 9858
Office: 503 693 5189
ben.santarris(at)solarworld-usa.com