Prompted by increased orders during the fourth quarter 2010, centrotherm photovoltaics feels that it is off to a good start in 2011. During 2010’s fourth quarter, new orders saw a 192% increase to €342 million over the previous year’s same period orders of €117 million. The company specifically points to orders from China and Taiwan during the fourth quarter as influencing the positive results.
"Our products' technology and quality prove persuasive. That is why we look ahead to this year with confidence. Our sales team in the Asian region has already signed initial orders from major existing customers for the second half of 2011”, commented Dr. Thomas Riegler, CFO of centrotherm photovoltaics. "Many of our customers would like to extend their cost-leadership, are topping up their production capacities, and are focusing on centrotherm's advanced, leading edge. This year, we will continue to benefit from this trend, which has already been underway for several months."
Also lending to the order increase were the high demand for manufacturing systems of crystalline solar cells and customers repeat purchases centrotherm’s tube furnaces for phosphorus diffusion and batch-type systems for anti-reflective coating of solar cells.
centrotherm anticipates delivery of 100 systems per month in the future, another increase from 2010, which saw a capacity increase to 60 systems per month. In order to support the continued success of production structures and processes, the likes of flexible shift operation, manufacturing capacities have been added.
