The Manz Group has acquired a follow-on order with a volume of around EUR4.5 million (~US$6.94 million) for second-generation laser cutting equipment to be used in the production of crystalline silicon solar wafers. The order is from a well-known manufacturer of products for the photovoltaics market.
The Manz Group is a Reutlingen, Germany-based provider of systems and components in the areas of automation, quality assurance, and laser process technology for the photovoltaic industry and in the areas of automation and wet chemistry for the LCD industry.
In January 2007, the Manz Group entered into co-operation with Synova SA for the development, manufacturing, and marketing of laser applications for the photovoltaics industry. Using Synova SA's MicroJet laser technology allows cutting processes to be made much more efficient with less damage to the wafer edge, the Manz press release said.
Dieter Manz, Manz Automation AG's CEO, is very pleased that the business relationship is continuing.
"We supplied laser cutting equipment for solar wafers back in 2002," Manz said. "That is why we are delighted to also be able to supply next-generation systems. Our alliance with Synova, together with our long-standing expertise for laser technology, allows us to quickly realize this demanding project."
The first equipment is scheduled to be delivered at the end of the year.