DGAP-News: CENTROSOLAR increases its module manufacturing capacity to almost 200 MWp

Centrosolar Group AG  / Key word(s): Strategic Company Decision

28.09.2010 08:37 
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Munich, September 28, 2010 - Wismar-based Centrosolar Sonnenstromfabrik, a
subsidiary of the solar business CENTROSOLAR Group AG, has increased its
manufacturing capacity still further. It has achieved this by modernising
and automating the oldest of a total of four production lines. The overall
capacity has therefore been upped from a previous 155 MWp to almost 200
MWp.

'With an output of up to 4,000 photovoltaic modules per day, our
Sonnenstromfabrik is one of the largest module plants in Europe,' commented
Dr Alexander Kirsch, CEO of CENTROSOLAR Group AG, in connection with the
increase. 'Thanks to our production processes derived from the automotive
industry, we definitely rank as one of the best-quality manufacturers and
therefore among the most efficient.' Within the space of a few years
Centrosolar Sonnenstromfabrik in Wismar has evolved from a small business
into one of the biggest employers in the town of Wismar. The workforce has
grown from an initial 15 employees in 2001 to 450. They manufacture
high-performance solar modules for the world market on a three-shift basis.

Thanks to the high level of automation and the high quality standards, the
modules with the 'Made in Germany' cachet are internationally competitive.
Almost 50 % of Sonnenstromfabrik's production output is destined for
installation on roofs in other European countries, tendency rising.
CENTROSOLAR's strong sales network, providing fitters with integrated
systems and technical support, is the reason why the plant has been working
at its capacity limits since May 2009, despite multiple increases in
capacity. 'This is an important development in maintaining our ability to
supply our many customers throughout Europe and, increasingly, in the USA
too,' added Dr Kirsch.

However, the 13,000 m2 building has now reached its physical limits. 'We
may soon have to think about erecting a second production building. Land
and labour are available. And we clearly have ample sales opportunities.
With appropriate support from our financial partners and the state, further
growth is possible,' assured Ralf Hennigs, Sonnenstromfabrik's Managing
Director.


CENTROSOLAR Sonnenstromfabrik - a success story

1996 Establishment of Solara Gbr, one of the predecessor companies of
Centrosolar

2001 Solara and Solartechnik Hennigs launch a joint module manufacturing
plant in Wismar with a workforce of 15

2005 Incorporation into CENTROSOLAR Group AG/ Manufacturing capacity
increased to 30 MWp

2008 Opening of new building with 13,000 m2 of floor space/ A second
automated line is installed/ Manufacturing capacity increased to 70 MWp/
Accreditation to DIN ISO 9001:2000

2009 Third production line started up/ Manufacturing capacity increased to
110 MWp

04/2010 Fourth production line started up/ 450 employees produce output of
155 MWp over three shifts a day

09/2010 Upgrade for first production line/ Manufacturing capacity increased
to almost 200 MWp

About CENTROSOLAR Group AG:
The listed company CENTROSOLAR Group AG, Munich, (stock exchange code WKN
540750) is one of the leading suppliers of photovoltaic (PV) systems for
roofs and key components, with over 1,000 employees in Europe and the USA
and annual revenue in excess of EUR 300 million (2009). Its product range
comprises solar integrated systems, modules, inverters, mounting systems
and solar glass. It generates around half its revenue internationally.
There are CENTROSOLAR branches in Spain, Italy, France, Greece,
Switzerland, the Netherlands, the UK and the USA.
CENTROSOLAR has a solar glass manufacturing plant in Fürth and a module
production plant in Wismar (Germany). Over the past two years, the
production lines for the finishing of glass have been substantially
extended in response to rising demand and now have an annual production
capacity of up to six million square metres. Module manufacturing was also
stepped up quite substantially in response to soaring demand. The module
plant certified to DIN ISO 9001:2000 in Wismar is one of the largest and
most efficient such plants in Europe, with an annual capacity now of almost
200 MWp. For further information, visit: www.centrosolar-group.com.



Georg Biekehör, tel.: +49 (0) 6181 982 80 30
E-mail: g.biekehoer@go-metacom.de




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Language:     English
Company:      Centrosolar Group AG
              Walter-Gropius-Str. 15
              80807 München
              Deutschland
Phone:        +49 (0)89 20 1800
Fax:          +49 (0)89 20 180 555
E-mail:       info@centrosolar.com
Internet:     www.centrosolar.com
ISIN:         DE0005148506
WKN:          514850
Listed:       Regulierter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr
              in München, Düsseldorf, Berlin, Stuttgart
 
End of Announcement                             DGAP News-Service
 
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