Komax Solar significantly expands product range

September 18, 2009 Komax Solar will be premiering ten new module manufacturing machines at the Hamburg photovoltaics fair, including the stringer Xcell X2, the laminator XLam and various items of testing equipment. The new machines mean that Komax can supply all key module-manufacturing processes in both the crystalline and thin-film application segments. Komax is presenting ten new module manufacturing machines for the crystalline and thin-film application segments at the biggest photovoltaics fair of the year in Hamburg. The new machines mean that Komax can now supply all processes seamlessly, from stringing to lamination and bussing. Longstanding experience in crystalline segment With around ten years of experience in the crystalline modules segment, Komax Solar is able to supply sophisticated production solutions. Having successfully expanded its product portfolio in recent years, Komax Solar is now able to premiere new innovations. The stringer Xcell X2 marks a revolutionary step forward in the machine's continuous development. By further improving the inductive soldering process it has been possible to dramatically reduce the breakage rate - a key success factor in solar cell production. The Xcell X2 now uses a robot to move cells, which reduces the number of handover points. In addition, throughput, cycle time, precision temperature control and user friendliness have all been closely scrutinized. The new process has also been applied to the Xcell 3400plus, a further development of the successful XCell 3400, which now also offers the advantage of substantially lower breakage rates. Komax Solar is also premiering its new String Tester and Matrix Tester products, which test modules' usability before and after lamination and identify any cracks in the cells. All thin-film processes now covered Building on the successful launch of its contacting systems, Komax Solar has significantly expanded its back-end product range and is now able to supply a complete series of machines for all production steps from edge deletion to lamination in most thin-film technologies. Specifically, the processes covered are edge deletion (by laser or abrasion), contact ablation, longitudinal and transverse contacting, edge sealing (tape and hot melt) and marriage, including foil cutting and electroluminescence testing. The two new processes of ultrasound welding and hot melt sealing also yield a substantial reduction in production costs. Laminator Komax Solar is unveiling its laminator XLam, which is suitable for all technologies from crystalline module production to thin-film technology solutions. Since it has three process levels, the new laminator offers the advantage of continuous module production. With its hybrid heating and unique, reliable induction heater system, the XLam guarantees exceptionally reproducible, stable processes. Brand extension As part of the process of aligning its activities in clearly defined business units, Komax has upgraded the status of its photovoltaics business and established the Komax Solar brand. The brand is making its debut to customers at the Hamburg fair. Komax Solar delivers solutions that are highly innovative, well thought out and extremely reliable. Its leading technologies are helping the solar industry along the path to grid parity and beyond. Background information on the Komax Group With a market share of around 40 percent, Komax is a world leader in standard wire-processing machines. The company also focuses on the photovoltaics and medical technology growth markets. As a machinery producer, Komax is global leader in crimp-to-crimp machines for the wire-processing market. In addition to this, the Komax portfolio of products and services ranges from wire cutting and stripping machines all the way to systems for the fully automated manufacture of complete wire harnesses. In the photovoltaics field, Komax is a worldwide supplier of machines for the production of crystalline and thin-film modules. Its aim is to expand its global leadership in stringing to the other areas of its product portfolio. In the medical technology sector, Komax produces, for example, machine systems for the manufacture of inhalers and insulin delivery or injection systems. In this field, too, Komax is among the world's leading suppliers. The Komax Group operates production facilities in Switzerland, France, the United States, Malaysia and China. Finally, Komax offers professional service back-up in over 50 countries. Contact: Komax Holding AG Direct dial +41 79 236 52 64 Dominik Slappnig, Investor Relations Fax +41 41 450 10 24 and Corporate Communication www.komaxgroup.com dominik.slappnig@komaxgroup.com The Media Release can be downloaded from the following link: This announcement was originally distributed by Hugin. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.