By Kari Williamson

The closing is part of SolarWorld's efforts to modernise solar PV production capacities as it concentrates its production of solar photovoltaic (PV) products to it site in Hillsboro (OR, USA) and Freiberg/Saxony in Germany.

The Freiberg/Saxony facility now has an annual capacity of 1 GW after the commissioning of a new production facility for solar PV wafers. Older parts of the facility will be taken out of service.

SolarWorld says the consolidation will reduce the amount of 'loan workers' leading to cost reduction and increased productivity.

Chairman and CEO, Dr Ing E.h. Frank Asbeck, says: “With this, we will continue to keep our wage cost share at below 10%. Especially in contrast to manufacturers who increasing relocate to low wage countries or come from there, this is of strategic importance. It means that we offer quality from Germany and quality made in the US that is competitive with the Far East.”