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Press release

Torgau

, August 04, 2009

Prominent visitors: Saxony’s Prime Minister, Stanislaw Tillich, and Saxony’s Minister of State, Frank Kupfer, visited AVANCIS in Torgau.

Saxony’s Prime Minister, Stanislaw Tillich, and Saxony’s Minister of State for environment and agriculture, Frank Kupfer, visited on Tuesday the production plant of AVANCIS, solar module producer in Torgau.

Both politicians are on their summer tour through Saxony and made a stop in Torgau to get an insight and comprehensive information about the fast-growing solar company. The visitors were thrilled about the modern production plant and equipment used. Hans-Peter Hoheisel, COO (Chief Operating Officer) of AVANCIS stated: “Currently two more lines of production are in the start-up with which we want to reach our maximum production capacity as fast as possible.” Further guests at the tour through the plant were Manfred Kolbe, member of the German Bundestag (lower house of the German Parliament) as well as the local District Administrator Michael Czupalla.

The guests were shown how CIS thin-film modules are produced in a very complex production process. Tillich, who is using solar energy on his own home had a very positive impression of AVANCIS: “I am pleased to see a very successful company: you are manufacturing a future oriented product which will have a successful position in this market and also give the young generation a real job perspective.” AVANCIS is currently employer of 144 workers in Torgau – the bulk of employees are locals. A lot of the employees are also “homecomers” and returned from the West German states to work for AVANICS in Torgau.

Saxony’s Prime Minister was also enthusiastic about the company’s plans for the future: “I am very delighted to hear about the expansion plans of AVANCIS and wish your company all the success needed,” those were his words with a glance at the surrounding building site where AVANCIS is already planning the construction of a second production plant. Following the guided plant tour the guests were talking to the staff. Employee Sabine Breitkreuz and Bernd Sund were explaining the advantage of the solar module PowerMax which is produced in Torgau. “Our module is magnificently processed and can stand up easily to any competition in the market,” was the proud statement of both employees.

The Prime Minister was also listening to the needs of the employees. A number of commuters are wishing a better transport connection, specifically the upgrading of state road (Bundesstraße) 87. The visit of the prominent guests was a welcome change in the daily routine as well as a special opportunity for the employees of AVANCIS to get close with leading politicians of the state.

About AVANCIS:

AVANCIS is a joint venture between Shell and Saint-Gobain located in Torgau, Saxony. The company develops and produces thin-film photovoltaic modules on the basis of CIS (copper-indium-selenide). The innovative manufacturing process is based on the second generation CIS technology, developed by the research and development division of AVANCIS located in Munich. The production capacity of the first factory is 20 Megawatt-peak per year (MWp/a). AVANCIS combines the extensive know-how of Shell research, development and production in the area of CIS thin-film technologies and Saint-Gobain’s unique expertise in the manufacture of glass and building materials.

For further information please contact:

Hendrik Feige
Marketing/Kommunikation
AVANCIS GmbH & Co. KG
Solarstrasse 3, 04860 Torgau
Telefon: +49 (0)3421 7388-253
Telefax: +49 (0)3421 7388-111
E-Mail: hendrik.feige@yXdZas.wlW+MZdsavancis.de
Internet: www.avancis.de