SCHOTT to Build New Thin-Film 
Solar Module Production Facility

SCHOTT says it will invest approximately $72 million USD to enable its subsidiary, SCHOTT Solar Inc. to build a manufacturing facility for thin-film solar electricity modules in Jena, Germany. The facility’s manufacturing capacity will exceed 30 megawatts per year and is scheduled to open in fall 2007.

The facility will manufacture thin film solar electricity modules based on amorphous silicon, which are integrated into glazing applications such as windows, roofs and façades. Used in this manner, they allow for interesting architectural approaches in conjunction with environmentally-friendly generation of energy [products], according to the company. In addition, smaller thin-film modules are used to supply power in consumer electronic products, such as solar powered watches, backyard lights and electrical appliances. 

Glaverbel Expands Production in Novosibirsk 
Glaverbel Novosibirsk, a member of the Glaverbel Group, has submitted an application for a land lot in Novosibirsk, Russia, to construct a glass pack making plant. The company says the plant is to become a center for glass processing and distribution, having a total area of 3,500 square meters. Glaverbel will act as the investor; total investments are estimated at more than $2.4 million USD. The new plant is expected to begin operations in June 2007.

Asahi to Build Plant Line in Taiwan
Asahi Glass Fine Techno Taiwan, a fully-owned subsidiary of Japan-based Asahi Glass, is set to add two glass substrate production lines, including one sixth-generation (6G) and one 7.5G line, in Taiwan, with volume production scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2007, according to industry sources.

To meet demand for Taiwan-based Chi Mei Optoelectronics planned 7.5G plant, which is scheduled to begin mass production in the second quarter of 2007, the substrate maker plans to build a 7.5G substrate plant at Tree Valley Park, an LCD TV industrial park near Tainan Science Park, the sources said.

The glass substrate maker will also add another 6G production line, the sources indicated, though the location was not disclosed.

The subsidiary currently has two furnaces in central Taiwan, with current production lines at the facilities including two 4G, four 5G and one 6G glass substrate lines. After the capacity is added from the third plant, the overall capacity of its three plants in Taiwan will reach 12 million units.

Pilkington to Help Build Glass Factory in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan Investment Fund and Britain’s Pilkington Plc have formed a joint venture to 
build a glass factory near Kzyl-Orda. 

“We signed an agreement in late January to form a joint venture for the glass project. Investment will total $200 million USD. This will be the biggest industrial project in the country with a very well-known world company,” said Zeinulla Kakimzhanov, head of the fund, to the upper house of Kazakhstan’s parliament. 

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