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Oerlikon Solar invests in Singapore to build up Asia business |
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Remarks by Mr Ko Kheng Hwa, Managing Director, Economic Development Board, at the joint media conference between EDB and Oerlikon Solar on 11 January 2008, 11am
Members of the Media,
Good morning.
- We are delighted that Oerlikon has chosen Singapore as the location for its Asia Hub for manufacturing and R&D. Oerlikon is a world leading supplier of equipment for making solar cells. This project is not only a first-of-its-kind for Singapore, but it will also be Oerlikon’s first facility in Asia that will develop, assemble and test its advanced solar cell equipment. The facility includes a pilot line which will be Oerlikon’s largest in the world, and will incorporate its latest technology. This project is therefore strategic as it represents a major step forward in Singapore’s ambition to become a global hub for the solar industry as well as our partnership with Oerlikon.
Strengthening the Solar Ecosystem
- Singapore is implementing a comprehensive blueprint to develop and grow our solar industry. We are making rapid progress. A key strategy in this blueprint is the development of a vibrant world-scale solar industry ecosystem. In October 2007, Renewable Energy Corporation (REC) of Norway announced that it will be building an integrated solar manufacturing plant in Singapore which is slated to be the world’s largest. Beside solar product companies, we are attracting a cluster of equipment suppliers and supporting companies to drive the growth of the entire industry here. The solar energy industry is rapidly evolving and technological innovations are critical to a company’ success. Oerlikon’s R&D centre and pilot line here will enable it to work jointly and conveniently with cell manufacturers to develop new products and manufacturing processes. Oerlikon’s facility is therefore a big boost to the development of the solar industry ecosystem here.
- The project will create about 100 new jobs. The majority will be professionals in engineering, material science and R&D. Together with recent projects, the clean technology industry will be providing many new and challenging career opportunities which will appeal to those who want an interesting job that will also contribute to helping mitigate climate change.
- The Oerlikon project is expected to generate a strong demand for the component suppliers and equipment contract manufacturers as Oerlikon intends to leverage on strategic outsourcings. Oerlikon’s facility here will therefore create significant spin-offs to our supporting industry and provide opportunities for them to upgrade, diversify and enter the new high-growth area.
Strong Partnership with Oerlikon
- Oerlikon’s decision to set up a significant presence in Asia certainly speaks volumes of its strong commitment to the region and reflects the high growth potential here. Singapore shares the same commitment and enthusiasm for the industry and the region. We are therefore proud to be Oerlikon’s trusted partner to support the company’s ambitious expansion in Asia.
- Indeed, the strong partnership between Oerlikon and Singapore has spanned over many decades. Today, Oerlikon employs more than 450 people here. Apart from serving as its regional headquarters, Singapore also hosts the R&D and global manufacturing of Oerlikon’s wire bonder and textile bearing businesses. Oerlikon’s choice of Singapore for the Asia hub for its fastest-growing solar business is therefore a strong testimony to our capabilities across the value chain of activities, ranging from R&D to manufacturing and final system integration of highly sophisticated products.
Conclusion
- This is the first major project announcement by EDB this year, and we expect more announcements in the coming year that will spur further growth in the solar and precision engineering sectors.
- We thank Oerlikon for their strong vote of confidence in Singapore. We will continue to work hand-in-hand with you to implement this project successfully, and we look forward to the day when we will have ‘Made-in-Singapore’ solar cells produced by ‘Made-in-Singapore’ equipment and supplying clean energy solutions to a brighter, greener world.
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