SOLARTRON SPENDING 700 MB BOOST UP ITS BUSINESS.
Solartron spent 700 million baht to increase capacity of solar cell and panel plant from 70 to be 200 MW per year; targeting 1.7 billion baht turnover this year; revealing that many foreign investors eager to join the business.
Patama Wongtoythong, Chief Executive Officer of Solartron Public Company Limited – one of the largest leading manufacturers of multi-crystalline cells and solar panels in South East Asia, said the company has invested 700 million baht to expand the capacity of solar cells and panels in Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, adding 130 MW to existing 70 MW to per year which would increase the capacity to 200 MW per year.
This expansion will contribute to the higher efficiency of the solar cells and panels to and to the reduction of production cost. The company has signed the hire agreement with German company to be consultant. The machinery and technology have been imported from Germany as well.
“We have two solar cells and panels plants at Pak Chong in Nakhon Ratchasima province. We have begun to increase production capacity of plant 2 since the early of this year in which expecting to be completed by the end of this year. The plant 1 will be implemented in the early of next year and will be completed by the end of 2015. We have got special supports from the Office of the Board of Investment (BOI) as it is the upstream business of electricity generation.” Patama said.
In addition, Solartron plans to invest more in solar farm installation immediately once be granted for license. The lands in 20 provinces in eastern and western regions have been prepared not too far from transportation routes of the provincial electricity authority. The company has selected the area with at least 5 hours of sunlight and strong electricity transmission cables.
The company’s long-term plan is to invest more in upstream business. Currently, the company has to import raw materials such as wafers and etc. but the company will produce wafer of own design for more capable of absorbing more sunlight.
Patama said many foreign investors have contacted the company for partnering such as China and Taiwan, the countries of largest manufacturing of solar cells and panels in the world. Since they are facing tax barriers from the United States and Europe, these investors turn to ASEAN for more in which Thailand is considered the most attractive.
“Investors from China and Taiwan are facing tax barriers that cause the goods being unable to export to the United States and Europe. They have been looking for new production bases. Many investors from these two countries would like to be our partners. We are attractive for Taiwan investors because the capability to produce wafers and cell panels in which the standards are accepted by many countries. Working together with us, they would be able to exchange and support the business growth together.” Said Patama.
The company targets approximately 1.7 billion baht turnover this year or at least 30 percent growth from 1.3 billion baht turnover in previous year due to the possible earnings in Q2/2014 is in good direction as well as the company recognizes the revenue from solar cells and panels orders from Europe and solar power plant construction project of Bangchak Petroleum Public Company Limited (BCP).
In the R&D (Research & Development, the company has commissioned the institute from Germany as a consultant in all areas of production, which is carried out to ensure the quality of both strength of the circuit boards and other aspects during and after completion of R&D process.
Patama said the strengths of the company are being the manufacturer with technology ownership and designing of high performance systems, which are also the position of the company as well. In addition, the company flexibly operates business to be in accordance with the government and other countries energy policy in which the company must be ready to respond promptly.
For the trend of global market, Pattama said the usage of gas energy is declining in which turning to renewable energy for more. It would be positive to renewable energy business to grow alongside the country’s GDP. When the opening ASEAN Economic Community or AEC has come, all member countries need to grow together, therefore; Thailand shall not be passive but deliberate, learn and develop to be AEC leader.
Patama said about the corporate and personnel management that the company employs over 350 people in which the personnel are the most important for the company. The employees must have direct and professional experiences. The company has the high-quality production system, good service and entire operation process.
“Personnel need to have knowledge in the profession. Not only Bachelor’s degree when start working with us, we allow the further education and experiences with Solartron. We work as team and systematically. The social responsibility and sustainable growth in business are fostered to our employees.” Said Patama.
Solartron Public Company Limited has engaged in the production of solar panels and provided the survey, designing and installation of electricity from solar energy. The company has designed and installed more than 200,000 solar electricity systems in Thailand, especially in areas where electricity grids are not available or representing 80 percent of the solar system in all projects of government.
The company is building solar cell plant to accommodate growth in demand of domestic and global markets in which place importance on the company’s solar cell plant and benefit the country in particular. As a result, the company has been granted for tax privileges at maximum which saves costs in production and supports the responding the customer needs effectively.
