US Dow Corning plans new Korea solar manufacturing facility

02 April 2009 18:11  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS news)--Dow Corning has selected Jincheon, South Korea, for the location for its second solar panel manufacturing facility as it seeks a greater presence in the Asia solar market, the US silicone major said on Thursday.

“With almost 60% of solar module producers based in Asia, this centre will play an important role in the global solar industry growth as well as manufacturing growth in Asia,” said Eric Peeters, global executive director for Dow Corning.

The Solar Solutions Application Center will include material development and characterisation laboratories, an industrial-scale pilot line for photovoltaic module assembly and environmental aging and testing capabilities, according to the company.

The first such centre was opened in May in Freeland, Michigan.

The laboratories at the new facility are scheduled to open in late 2009, and pilot production equipment could come on line by early 2010, the company said.

“For us to be able to build stronger relationships, incubate new material solutions and bring them to market fast, we have to be close to our Asian customers,” said Martin Lee, Dow Corning’s solar business development manager in Asia.

“This centre represents our intention to be an active, eager partner with researchers, producers and governments in Asia as we help develop affordable and efficient solar energy,” he said.

The facility is part of a broader plan to expand the company’s solar-cell business, Dow Corning said. The products sold by the business use silicone products such as encapsulants, adhesives, coatings, potting agents, sealants and next-generation solar grade silicon.

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By: Ben DuBose
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