Starting off as a green field site a few months ago, the final plant will comprise around 5,000 m2, and in comparison with the current, leased location, the new facility is a quantum leap for Topsil. The roof was in place and the topping-out wreath just above it, when attendants celebrated the completion of the first major mile stone, in one of the two future adjacent production floors.
”Starting off from bare fields, as has been the case with Topsil’s construction project, has provided us with a unique opportunity to design and form a state-of-the-art plant which will last well into the future” explains Topsil temporarily appointed CEO, Mr. Jørgen Bødker. ”Our new facility supports our production to a much larger extent than is possible at our current location. This is today a major challenge”.
”We have worked extensively on flow optimisation and quality improvements. The plant to be will become a high-tech cleanroom plant in scalable design, which offers optimum conditions for the manufacture of high purity silicon. Furthermore, building a new plant is a suitable occasion to implement environmentally friendly solutions in a number of areas”.
Topsil manufactures ultra-pure silicon, targeting the global semiconductor industry and is first-mover into Copenhagen Cleantech Park, south of Frederikssund, Denmark. Copenhagen Cleantech Park is part of Copenhagen Cleantech Cluster, which aims to create close cooperation between cleantech companies, universities and incubation environments in the greater Copenhagen area. Topsil’s silicon forms part of various energy optimising components and ends up in final applications such as wind turbines, high speed trains and the grid.
Topsil’s new plant is designed by Architects Mangor and Nagel A/S and comprises two adjacent production floors as well as an administration building. Client Design advisor is Orbicon, Engineering is managed by Alectia A/S and prime contractor is Enemærke and Petersen A/S. Other main project partners are Brøndum, AGA, Johnson Controls and Silhorko. Aggregated building expenses will amount to approximately DKR 200m.
”So far so good” Mr. Jørgen Bødker says, referring to the fact that the construction work has been progressing according to plan, since now former Danish Minister for Climate and Energy, Ms. Lykke Friis, cut the first sod 4 April 2011.
”We are most pleased with the professional management of our green field project up until now. It is very inspirational to see how concrete, joists and precast panels gradually turn into our new facility. We shall now look forward to moving in, staring beginning of next summer, for the benefit of our customers”, says Mr. Jørgen Bødker.
