Hanwha Q-Cells to build 800MW facility in Malaysia
German headquartered Hanwha Q CELLS has announced that it will build a large-scale module factory at its existing site in Cyberjaya, Malaysia. The new facility will include four production lines and automated equipment for the company's high performing solar modules totalling a capacity of 800 megawatt (MW). After currently increasing its capacities in cell production, the investment in a new module production again highlights Hanwha Q CELLS' consistent growth path and positive business outlook. Given the growing cell capacity and production volume, the largest European PV provider according to shipments now adapts its module production capacities accordingly. The amount of investment has not been disclosed.
In August, Hanwha Q CELLS announced to increase its total production capacity to more than 1.5 GW by the end of the year. Furthermore, Hanwha Q CELLS has been strongly expanding its business and expects 2014 shipments between 1 and 1.2 GW as well as positive full-year-figures. Detailed financial figures about revenue or profit have not been disclosed.
Charles Kim, CEO of Hanwha Q CELLS, said: "By building module facilities of 800 MW at our site in Malaysia, Hanwha Q CELLS takes the next step in becoming one of the globally leading companies in the photovoltaics industry. The new factory will strengthen our position to satisfy the heightened demand of our customers. We offer top-quality modules, applications and complete power plants "Engineered in Germany" as well as long-term partnership and financial stability."
The construction of the module production facility at the Cyberjaya site will start in early 2015. Hanwha Q CELLS will start to move in the production equipment in parallel. The new production lines are planned to be ready for a first test production in Q3 2015 and expected to reach full utilization by early 2016.
Further strengthening the combination of German engineering with international mass production "The new module fab in Cyberjaya is the logical next step in carrying forward the company´s international setup of R&D and mass production," said CEO Charles Kim. By partly insourcing and at the same time increasing total module production capacities, Hanwha Q CELLS is further strengthening this combination of German engineering and quality with competitive and flexible international mass production. Seong Joo Ryu, Managing Director of Hanwha Q CELLS Malaysia, added: "Hanwha Q CELLS Malaysia is ready to become the company´s main hub for the sustainable mass production of high quality solar cells and modules at competitive costs." In combining cell and module manufacturing in one production site, the company will optimize the production cycle times and reduces logistics costs.
The planning, building and ramping up of the new module fab in Malaysia will be a constant team effort across sites, countries and company departments. Dr. Andreas von Zitzewitz, COO at Hanwha Q CELLS, comments, "Our teams in Thalheim and Cyberjaya are working hand in hand in realizing this important project for our company."
