US-based Southwall Technologies Inc. announced that it has placed an order for a second production machine (PM9) for the Dresden, Germany plant.
Von Ardenne Anlagentechnik GmbH will be installing the…
US-based Southwall Technologies Inc. announced that it has placed an order for a second production machine (PM9) for the Dresden, Germany plant. Von Ardenne Anlagentechnik GmbH will be installing the new thin film, sputter-coating machine in Southwall“s plant in the neighbouring town of Grossrohrsdorf. The machine will be identical to PM8, currently being installed in Germany, and will be designed to manufacture state-of-the-art, infrared-reflecting (IR) film sold under the trademark XIR(R), for use in automotive glass. “Peugeot and Citroen are the latest additions to the growing list of major car producers in Europe to adopt our IR reflecting film in their vehicles,” said Thomas G. Hood, president and CEO. “Citroen“s new minivan, the Picasso, has been extremely well received in the marketplace. Manufactured in Spain, this new model is being produced at the rate of 30,000 units a month.” “With sharply increasing orders from new and existing OEM customers, we have decided to accelerate our expansion plans,” he added. “Although we have not yet completed the installation of Production Machine 8, we are extremely pleased with the design and quality of workmanship presented by Von Ardenne thus far.” Hood continued, “The decision to move now with another machine for Dresden was also driven by an extremely strong dollar versus the German D-Mark. The exchange rate is presently at a ten year high which strongly favours the purchase being denominated in German Marks. In addition, 35% of the purchase price will be covered by German grants at the local and national level making these machines an extremely attractive investment.” Southwall Technologies designs and produces technologically advanced thin film coatings that selectively absorb, reflect or transmit electromagnetic radiation.