Timbers, SolarWorld form Landmark Jersey Partnership
SolarWorld becomes Timbers’ official jersey sponsor for 2010
PORTLAND, Ore. (Feb. 24, 2010) – The Portland Timbers and SolarWorld, the largest solar manufacturer in America, today announced a new landmark partnership, making SolarWorld the team’s official jersey sponsor for the 2010 season and the first renewable-energy company to become a jersey partner of a professional soccer franchise in the United States.
SolarWorld, which is connected to the game of soccer on three continents, is one of the largest and most experienced manufacturers of solar technology in the world. It has three plants on the West Coast, including a vertically integrated 500 MW manufacturing plant in Hillsboro, Ore.
“I am delighted to partner with SolarWorld on the 2010 Timbers jersey rights,” said Timbers president Merritt Paulson. “We pride ourselves on being a green organization – not just our colors – and partnering with a preeminent sustainable company like SolarWorld is a no-brainer.”
"Soccer is the most international sport," said Boris Klebensberger, U.S. president and COO of SolarWorld. "As a renewable-energy company involved in every major solar market, it's only fitting for us to help support the sport in and around our various sites, including near our U.S. headquarters in Hillsboro."
Along with its partnership with the Timbers, SolarWorld’s involvement in the sport includes a marketing agreement with forward Lucas Podolski of German Bundesliga club FC Cologne, and helping to bring electricity to a community studio in Africa to offer televised broadcasts of the 2010 FIFA World Cup through its Solar2World program, which aids electrification projects in developing countries.
Additionally, SolarWorld is a premier partner and jersey sponsor of the Timbers development team, the Timbers U-23s, which competes in the Premier Development League.
The Timbers kick off the 2010 campaign Saturday, April 17, at 7 p.m. as they play host to the Rochester Rhinos at PGE Park. The PDL season for the Timbers U-23s begins May 15 at PGE Park.
About SolarWorld AG
SolarWorld AG manufactures solar power systems and in doing so contributes to a cleaner energy supply worldwide. The company, located in Bonn, employs approximately 3,000 people and carries out production in Freiberg, Germany, and Hillsboro, USA. From raw material silicon to the solar module, SolarWorld manages all stages of production ‒ including its own research and development. Through an international distribution network, SolarWorld supplies customers all over the world with solar modules and complete systems. The company maintains high social standards at all locations across the globe, and has committed itself to resource- and energy-efficient production. SolarWorld has been publically traded on the stock market since 1999 and is quoted in the technology index TecDax. SolarWorld achieved sales of about one billion Euros for the fiscal year 2011. More information at www.solarworld-usa.com.
Media Contact:
Devon Cichoski
Media relations manager
SolarWorld Americas
4650 Adohr Lane
Camarillo, CA 93012
Mobile: 805-377-2905
Office: 805-388-6388
devon.cichoski(at)solarworld-usa.com