DGAP-News: centrotherm international AG

Corporate News

centrotherm's subsidiary FHR Anlagenbau was awarded a major contract by Manz AG for the delivery of inline coating technology for CIGS solar module factories and aims at strategic partnership to further develop thin-film technology

Blaubeuren, July 13, 2017 - centrotherm's subsidiary FHR Anlagenbau GmbH has been awarded by Manz AG (Reutlingen) to deliver a number of sputtering systems for the manufacture of high-efficiency CIGS thin-film solar modules. The systems are to be delivered in 2018 and commissioned in two fully integrated factories in China. The latter are part of the major orders Manz received in January 2017 from two leading Chinese companies in the energy industry. The order volume is in the lower double-digit million range. The parties have agreed to keep the exact volume undisclosed.

At the same time, the centrotherm Group through its subsidiary FHR Anlagenbau GmbH aims at a strategic partnership focused on further developing the CIGS thin-film technology together with Manz.

Torsten Winkler, general manager of FHR, stated: "Since our founding in 1991 we have considered ourselves as pioneers in vacuum process technology for the deposition of a wide range of functional thin films. The special electrical, optical or other functional coatings are used today in many different sectors. We can contribute our core competence into the development partnership with Manz. Together we intend to further enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of thin-film solar technology in the photovoltaic market."

"In concluding this agreement, centrotherm has achieved an important milestone in its corporate strategy of further diversifying its range of services. As a leading technology provider of production solutions for the manufacture of standard p-type crystalline and high-efficiency PERC solar cells, we have again delivered proof throughout the group with FHR of our strong competence in thin-film vacuum coating," emphasizes Gunter Fauth, Chief Operating Officer of centrotherm international AG.

About FHR Anlagenbau GmbH
FHR Anlagenbau GmbH, based in Ottendorf-Okrilla, is specialized in developing innovative thin-film technologies and vacuum coating systems, as well as providing services in the thin film area. Founded in Dresden in 1991, the company has been part of the centrotherm Group since 2008. The company's largest line of business is vacuum coating for industry as well as research by utilization of evaporation, sputtering, CVD and ALD technologies. FHR's product portfolio comprises vacuum process equipment for a wide range of different sectors such as photovoltaics, specifically CIGS solar cells and organic PV, solar thermal energy, optics, electronics and sensor technology, as well as automotive. FHR holds a leading technology and market position here. In another area of business, FHR manufactures sputtering targets for the coating industry. FHR works together with renowned partners from industry and research institutes across the globe.

Contact FHR:
FHR Anlagenbau GmbH
Torsten Winkler, Geschäftsführer
Am Huegel 2
01458 Ottendorf-Okrilla
Tel.: 035205/520-0

About centrotherm international AG

centrotherm has been developing and realizing innovative thermal solutions for over 60 years. As a leading and globally operating technology group, we offer production solutions for the photovoltaic, semiconductor and microelectronics industries.

The continuous further development of our successful solutions in thermal processing and coating, such as for manufacturing crystalline solar cells and power semiconductors, form the basis for our successful partnerships with industry, research and development.

Our customers worldwide appreciate our production systems' process stability, scalability and availability in mass production. Above and beyond this, our work is distinguished by the fact that we create high-end process technology solutions which are specific for our customers and tailored to their requirements, and the fact that we are outstanding in system building.

We jointly confront the daily challenges of setting new trends, maximizing the efficiency of producing, for example, solar cells and semiconductors, and securing investments, coupled with our long machine lifetimes.

In this way, we generate valuable competitive advantages for our customers through targeted process innovations and production solutions.

Our around 650 staff worldwide are committed to the further development of high-tech solutions for key markets.

centrotherm international AG
Württemberger Str. 31
89143 Blaubeuren
Internet: www.centrotherm.de
German Securities Identification Number (WKN): A1TNMM (bearer shares); A1TNMN (unlisted shares from the non-cash capital increase)
ISIN: DE000A1TNMM9 (bearer shares); DE000A1TNMN7 (unlisted shares from the non-cash capital increase)
Inclusion: Basic Board, Frankfurt Stock Exchange
Corporate domicile: Germany

Contact:
Nathalie Albrecht
Manager Public & Investor Relations
Tel: +49 7344 918-6304
E-mail: investor@centrotherm.de