Komax doubles photovoltaics equipment sales in 2008

Approximately 16% of sales now come from the PV sector. Komax posted sales of CHF 341.9 million, 2.0% down on the previous year, due primarily to a fall in demand from its automotive industry division.



The company attributed its growth success in the PV industry to the launch of new production tools in 2008, which offered customers improved processing and efficiencies. The company is expanding it equipment production facility in the U.S. to meet demand.



Komax said that it had achieved four years of sequential ‘profitable growth’ in the crystalline segment, gaining market share. Its thin-film group order intake exceeded expectations, which included several orders for systems with multiple process steps, boosting its market penetration.



However, due to the economic environment, Komax did not provide guidance for 2009.