Despatch Industries Expands Global Photovoltaic Market Share

Minneapolis, Minn., - October 6, 2008 – Despatch Industries, the leading process technology provider for the solar industry, has achieved another sales milestone in 2008. By the beginning of the third quarter of 2008, Despatch has received more than fifty percent more orders for their flagship firing furnace than they received in all of 2007.

"Exceeding our orders over last year by fifty percent in the third quarter is a great achievement for us," says Steve Oman, Despatch Director of International Sales and Business Development. "Our firing furnace continues to hold the number one market share worldwide and we are always working toward enhancements that will extend our market share in this industry."

In addition to the firing furnace, Despatch continues to see significant growth through the introduction of new products to the industry. At the recent Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exposition in Valencia, Spain Despatch introduced a new In-line Rapid Thermal Shock (IL-RTS) tool and a VOC Oxidizer package. The IL-RTS unit was developed in response to the industry's movement toward thinner wafers as an alternative to using low-bow pastes in wafers 200µm and thinner. The VOC Oxidizer will be available in 2009 for purchase with Despatch firing furnaces. The tool was designed to meet all global regulations for removing any gases emitted while running the firing furnace.

"Both of these products were met with great interest at the exhibition. Many customers stopped by our booth and commented that Despatch had the best product portfolio at the show," says Mr. Oman. "We continue to see success and gain market share by developing products that address the needs of the industry. Between all of the interest in our new products and our backlog of orders extending far into 2009, this is a great time of growth for Despatch."

Despatch Industries partners with solar industry leaders to provide the process technology expertise for integrated solutions that make solar power a viable and affordable energy option. Despatch is consistently recognized for exceptional performance and process quality, optimal cell efficiency, maximum equipment uptime and reduced operating costs.

For more information on Despatch visit our website: www.despatch.com