A group of equipment suppliers recently established the International Photovoltaic Equipment Association (IPVEA) – an independent organization of manufacturers and suppliers of photovoltaic fabrication equipment and related raw materials used in PV ingot, wafer, cell (crystalline and thin film) and panel manufacturing.
More than 30 companies from Europe, the U.S. and Asia have committed themselves to the new association. The association's member companies focus on several areas, including crystal growth, diffusion furnaces, glavanics, laminators, laser systems, materials handling, metallization, printing, process integration, solar simulators, substrate handling, testing, vacuum systems, waste gas abatement, wet chemical systems, and related materials and professional services.
IPVEA says its overall goal is to provide members with a forum for information, discussion and the exchange of ideas, as well as ways to develop business opportunities and strategic partnerships.
The association's board of directors includes: president, Hans-Juergen Stangl (Stangl Semiconductor); vice president, Sven Jarby (Oerlikon); vice president: Albert Vontz (Kuka Systems); secretary, Andreas Schoni (3S Swiss Solar Systems); treasurer, Steffen Guenther (Reis Robotics); board member, Stefan Schiller (Schiller Automation); and board member, Manfred Schroeder (Ebara Precision Machinery. Also, Bryan Ekus has been appointed managing director.
SOURCE: IPVEA
