May 28, 2008 – A group of more than 30 companies in the US, Europe, and Asia have organized a new association to share information and ideas, and develop business deals and strategic partnerships.

The International Photovoltaic Equipment Association’s member companies span various areas of PV-related equipment and materials, including crystal growth, diffusion furnaces, glavanics, laminators, laser systems, materials handling, metallization, printing, process integration, solar simulators, substrate handling, testing, vacuum systems, waste gas abatement, and wet chemical systems.

Leading the IPEA is a board of directors led by president Hans-Juergen Stangl (Stangl Semiconductor), VPs Sven Jarby (Oerlikon) and Albert Vontz (Kuka Systems), with Andreas Schöni (3S Swiss Solar Systems), Steffen Guenther (Reis Robotics), Stefan Schiller (Schiller Automation), and Manfred Schroeder (Ebara Precision Machinery). Bryan Ekus, managing director of optical/storage media group Media-Tech Association, will take on managing directorial duties for IPEA.

The new association “soon will play an important role in the future development of further steps in solar technology and will provide a single voice for the fabrication industry,” said Stangl in a statement. Planned activities include supporting events with booth discounts and association branding/sponsorship for member companies; the group’s Web site (IPVEA.com), also will include a voting corner, statistics, and forum.