Praxair to Supply Gases and Equipment to Silfab - First Solar Polysilicon Manufacturing Facility in Italy
Praxair, Inc., a leading supplier of industrial gases, through
Rivoira SpA, its regional company in Italy, has been chosen by Silfab
SpA as the supplier of gases, gas equipment and gas management
services for Silfab´s solar grade polysilicon manufacturing facility
in Borgofranco d´Ivrea, Italy.
Rivoira will provide on-site supply of gases as well as gas
delivery equipment and management services for the entire project,
which will produce 5,000 metric tons of solar grade polysilicon per
year. The first phase of manufacturing is expected to begin in the
third quarter of 2009, with production of 2,500 metric tons per year.
"Collaboration with partner suppliers is important to our success
in providing high quality products to our customers," said Franco
Traverso, Silfab Chairman and Managing Director. "We believe our
relationship with Rivoira is a key component to our supply chain."
As an experienced supplier to the polysilicon and photovoltaic
industries, Praxair offers a complete portfolio of process gases, gas
handling and distribution systems, services and deposition materials,
to help customers operate efficiently and reliably.
About Silfab
Silfab is the first Italian company whose mission is the
production of high quality solar grade polysilicon for the
photovoltaic market. This material is suitable for the solar cell
manufacturers, offering superior quality, at Grade: 9N-, to meet
future market requirements.
Silfab SpA was founded in Piemonte by an expert in the renewable
energy business, Franco Traverso, who has 25 years experience in the
photovoltaic sector. Silfab´s partners are leading companies that have
a strong interest in the production of solar grade polysilicon.
About Praxair
Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX) is the largest industrial gases company
in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with
2007 sales of $9.4 billion. The company produces, sells and
distributes atmospheric, process and specialty gases, and
high-performance surface coatings. Praxair products, services and
technologies bring productivity and environmental benefits to a wide
variety of industries, including aerospace, chemicals, food and
beverage, electronics, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, metals and
others. More information on Praxair is available on the Internet at
www.praxair.com.
About Rivoira SpA
Rivoira SpA, a Praxair subsidiary, has actively participated in
the development of the Italian industrial gases business over the last
80 years in collaboration with its customers. It produces and markets
industrial, high-purity and specialty gases, medical and refrigerant
gases. Sales in 2007 were about EUR 190 million. More information on
Rivoira SpA is available on the Internet at www.rivoiragas.com.