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INDUSTRY BUZZ Solar, among others. Bürkle also became a preferred supplier for the Bosch Solar Energy project. Bürkle in 2009 reviewed its range of products to improve the line concepts and reduce the quantity of input materials and staff requirements. Last year the plant manufacturer invested around 5 million Euros for tool machines, computer systems and office equipment. This year the company will invest 1 million Euros only for information technology. Further investments are being considered. The production facility in Shanghai will be extended from an assembly surface of 4500 m² to 7500 m². Currently 488 staff members work in the head office in Freudenstadt as well as in the branch in Mastholte. Bürkle employs 680 staff members worldwide.
www.buerkle-gmbh.de
Diamond Wire Technology receives manufacturing export award Diamond Wire Technology (DWT), a global manufacturer of diamond wire and diamond wire saws serving the solar and semiconductor industries, received the 2009 Large-Sized Manufacturer Export Award presented by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Lieutenant Governor Barbara O’Brien was on hand to present the official awards, which honor Colorado companies that have made outstanding contributions in exporting from Colorado. The presentations were made during the 2009 World Trade Day – “Trade in Turbulent Times: Great Challenge Brings Great Opportunity” held in Denver, Colorado. “Diamond Wire Technology has sold internationally since 1979 and has grown export sales to almost 80% of its annual revenue in over 20 markets,” stated John Brenan, Diamond Wire CEO. “We are honored to have been selected for the Export Award and we will continue to strive for excellence in exporting practices.” Diamond Wire Technology is the originator and market leader in diamond wire 6 | IPVEA UPDATE | MARCH 2010
cutting, with over 40 years experience. In addition to making diamond wire from 140 micron to 380 micron in diameter, Diamond Wire Technology maintains a line of diamond wire saws designed to enhance performance and lower cost.
www.diamondwiretech.com
machines for both the crystalline silicon solar technology as well as for the thinfilm solar technology. Combined with Stangl’s machines, Singulus offers the key technology for a crystalline silicon solar cell production line with wet-chemical, vacuum coating and wafer handling technology. See page 18 for full article
Diamond Wire Technology changes corporate name Diamond Wire Technology, Inc., a member of Meyer Burger Technologies, has changed its corporate name to Diamond Materials Tech, Inc. (DMT). DMT, with headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado, US, is a leading and globally active, consumable and equipment manufacturer of diamond wire and diamond wire saws used within the solar (photovoltaic), semi-conductor and photonics industries.
The name change is accompanied by a re-branding initiative to represent our business within the Meyer Burger Technologies’ portfolio. The new brand name representing DMT is “Diamond Wire Material Technologies,” and more closely aligns with the company’s long-term strategy to advance its global presence and consumable product offerings. John Brenan, CEO of Diamond Materials Tech, Inc. commented, “The corporate name change and rebranding initiatives are strategically significant for us and will enable us to enhance our position in the marketplace as a key component of Meyer Burger Technologies portfolio of companies.” DMT has more than 100 employees.
www.diamondwiretech.com
Singulus acquires 100% of solar company STANGL Singulus Technologies AG recently announced that it has acquired 100% of Stangl Semiconductor Equipment AG, a leading provider of wet-chemical
www.singulus.de
Spire enters Phase II of cell contract; gets US government tax credit Spire Corp., a global solar company providing capital equipment and turnkey production lines to manufacture photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules, announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Spire Semiconductor, LLC, has successfully completed Phase I of its High Efficiency Concentrator Solar Cell program with the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and has been notified that NREL will authorise Phase II of the program. Under the 18-month, $3.7 million cost share subcontract, Spire Semiconductor is developing technology to cost-effectively manufacture 42% efficient, 500 sun, concentrator solar cells for concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) systems. NREL develops renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and practices, advances related science and engineering, and transfers knowledge and innovations to address the nation’s energy and environmental goals. Spire, headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts, separately announced that it has received confirmation from the Department of Energy (DOE) that under the Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit (MTC) program, its application has been approved for the allocation of over $2 million to expand its III/V Compound Semiconductor Foundry facility in Hudson, New Hampshire. Spire Semiconductor passed through the NREL Stage Gate Review, a go/no go decision point to validate the progression of the project and assure that progress meets contract objectives. These objectives include estimates of key performance parameters of competitive Levelized Cost