Au/Wädenswil, Switzerland, 03. May 2010 – From now on, Von Roll Holding AG will bundle its solar activities in the Solar Centre of Excellence headquartered in Tägerwilen in the canton of Thurgau, Switzerland. A symbolic, ground-breaking ceremony is being held today, in whichthe centre will be officially inaugurated by Thomas Limberger, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Von Roll Holding AG, and Dr. Kaspar Schläpfer, cantonal councilor responsible for the interior and economic affairs in Thurgau.
The Solar Centre of Excellence will consolidate the production of solar cells and other research and development projects of Von Roll Holding AG. In the medium-term, over 100 additional jobs are to be created at the new centre.
Thomas Limberger: “Thurgau was selected to be the location of the new centre due to its proximity to major solar research centres, its access to highly qualified staff, as well as its excellent infrastructure. The decision to invest here is evidence of our firm commitment to Switzerland.”
Councilor Dr. Kaspar Schläpfer: “We are very pleased that Von Roll has decided to base its solar research activities in Tägerwilen. This decision will not only create jobs, it will also establish a base for pioneering technology in the area. It is another step in the development of the canton of Thurgau into a leading centre of technology in Switzerland.”
With the founding of the Solar Centre of Excellence, Von Roll has launched a new segment, Von Roll Solar, and intends to be a major player in the solar market in the near future. “Von Roll Solar completes our business portfolio and represents our entrance into the rapidly growing solar market,” says Thomas Limberger.
The manufacture of Von Roll solar cells in a single printing process involves minimal costs, unlike traditional methods. Thanks to increased efficiency, Von Roll expects to incur far fewer costs per watt compared to its competitors.
Thomas Limberger: “Our aim is to launch an extremely competitive product onto the market with our third-generation solar cell. We are on the right track in this respect and we have already received positive feedback from potential customers. The challenge now is to make our product marketable as quickly as possible. By bundling all of our activities in Thurgau, we are in the best possible position to achieve this.”
The prototype is expected to be completed by the end of 2010 and production should begin in the second half of 2011.
Source: Von Roll Holding AG