- Market launch of a new machine for recordable DVDs
- Construction starts in China
- First machines already sold
Kahl am Main, July 1, 2008 – SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES (SINGULUS), the world market leader for the manufacturing of optical storage media, is unveiling its new STREAMLINE III production plant for the manufacturing of recordable DVDs. The first machines of the new version have already been sold.
SINGULUS is building the new machine in China at the subsidiary SINGULUS MANUFACTURING GUANGZHOU (SMG). The STREAMLINE III replication line is based on the tried-and-tested SPACELINE II module. Further modules as well as the EMOULD injection molding machine are being assembled and commissioned in China. The new STREAMLINE III replication line has been designed specifically for DVD R, with a cycle time of < 2.5 s. The system can, however, also be used for manufacturing CDRs.
Stefan A. Baustert, CEO of SINGULUS, commented: "The main market for these lines is China. By being able to capitalize on the cost advantages of a local assembly location, we are able to compete with Chinese manufacturers on price and can keep increasing our market shares. Our market share for optical disc machines in the Chinese market is currently an amazing 60 %. We have set ourselves this same target for the new STREAMLINE III."
Background:
SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES and its long-standing partner VIKA, Hong Kong, established the joint venture SINGULUS MANUFACTURING GUANGZHOU in Guangzhou in 2006, as an assembly location for replication lines of pre-recorded DVDs for the Chinese market. SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES has a 51 % interest in this company. DVD systems and EMOULD injection molding machines are assembled at the 10,000 m2 facility in Guangzhou and sold in the Chinese market. SMG employed a total workforce of 41 at Guangzhou at December 31, 2007.
Short profile of SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES AG
SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES is the world market leader for optical disc production lines for CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray Discs, and the only manufacturer to offer the full product range: mastering, molding and replication lines. In addition to the further development of optical disc core business, diversification into the new area of solar is its principal strategic goal.
STANGL and SINGULUS will systematically expand their solar activities. STANGL is currently one of the few suppliers of wet-chemical machines for both crystalline silicon solar technology and thin-film solar technology, with growth rates in excess of 40 %. SINGULUS is set to unveil its own solar coating machine in 2008, based on its wealth of experience in the core area of optical discs. It will be able to tap into STANGL's experience and market knowledge for this move. In March 2008 SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES teamed up with Q-Cells, the most important solar cell producer worldwide, for the development of this new machine and won the company as a key customer.
Together with the equipment made by STANGL, SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES will then be able to offer two important machine groups with wet-chemical and vacuum coating processes for a production line for crystalline silicon solar cells. The goal is to strengthen its global position for production equipment for crystalline solar cells over the next few years.