centrotherm subsidiary picks up sputter tool contract for China CIGS plants

FHR Anlagenbau will supply the sputter production tooling for Manz’s Chinese CIGSline factories. The production equipment, which is likely for the landmark deal between Manz, Shanghai Electric, and major Chinese generator Shenhua, which was signed in January, will be delivered in 2018.

Manz AG

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Manz AG has signed a “low double-digit million” deal with FHR Anlagenbau, for CIGS sputter tooling, to be shipped to China. While the announcement, made Thursday, does not specify the order volume, it has previously been announced that Manz will supply CIGSfab lines with an annual output of 350 MW to Shenhua, in a tripartite deal also involving Manz investor Shanghai Electric. The deal received required approvals in China in April.

FHR General Manger Torsten Winkler said the company is a pioneer in vacuum processing and that the deal will see the two companies work together to increase CIGS efficiencies and competitiveness – through a strategic partnership.

Centrotherm Chief Operating Officer Gunter Fauth noted that the deal represented a milestone in the company's diversification. “We have again delivered proof throughout the group with FHR of our strong competence in thin-film vacuum coating,” said Fauth. He noted that centrotherm also supplies production equipment for cell production ranging from standard p-type crystalline silicon PV cells, through to PERC.

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The Manz, Shanghai Electric, and Shenhua deal will see two CIGSfab lines installed in China. They will take the form of a 306 MW production line in Chongqing, and a second 44 MW R&D line in Beijing.

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