Germany's solar cell producer to invest in Malaysia
20/2/2008 16:04
German solar cell producer Q- Cells AG has announced plans to invest in a
production plant in Malaysia next year, local media reported today.
The
company plans to build a major manufacturing complex for photovoltaic products
in Malaysia, its first in Asia, Malaysian International Trade and Industry
Minister Rafidah Aziz said at a media briefing in Kuala Lumpur
yesterday.
"The setting up of such a solar cell and modules plant will
contribute towards the government's initiatives in the creation of a solar
industry cluster in the country," the New Straits Times quoted Rafidah as
saying.
Q-Cells was expected to invest more than 1 billion ringgit (310.
US$56 million) between 2009 and 2010 in the first phase of the manufacturing
complex, Malaysian Industrial Development Authority director-general R.
Karunakaran said.
However, the exact location has not been
confirmed.
"Negotiations have been held over the past six months and we have
been competing with others in the region. We are extremely pleased they chose
us. We hope this will spur other companies and service providers to look to
Malaysia, too," the New Straits Times quoted Karunakaran as saying.
Q-Cells'
facility will be the second major photovoltaic-related investment in Malaysia,
the first being that of the US-based thin-film module manufacturer, First Solar,
at the Kulim High-Tech Park in northern Kedah state.
Q-Cells ranked the No. 1
manufacturer of solar cells last year.
Xinhua
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