Despatch Industries Manufactures First In-line Diffusion System

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., U.S.A. – October 24, 2006 – Despatch Industries, a global leader of in-line thermo-processing systems, has announced the availability of its new integrated, in-line diffusion systems, the DCF-3625 and DCF-3630. This new product line advances the transition toward in-line processing that is currently under way in the solar cell manufacturing industry.

“Our new in-line diffusion systems have been designed to consistently deliver the highly homogenous emitters that are so critical for creating high efficiency solar cells,” says Brian Bunkenburg, Director of Custom Products and New Product Development. “Having been in development and testing for over a year, we are thrilled to bring these new products to the industry and further improve the in-line manufacturing process.”

The DCF 3625 and 3630 build on Despatch’s successful infrared dryer and firing furnace lines which are recognized for superior thermal processing control, improved cost of ownership, value-added feature sets and ease of maintenance. Since entering the photovoltaic market, Despatch has engineered and manufactured solar cell production equipment that improves and optimizes in-line solar cell manufacturing.

“Despatch’s in-line diffusion systems represent a breakthrough in the advanced solar cell manufacturing process by combining a patent-pending in-line doper, an infrared diffusion furnace, dopant chemistry and ECN process technology into one single piece of equipment,” says Chairman and CEO Patrick Peyton. “Through continuous technology innovation, leading-edge partnerships and customer focused product development; Despatch looks forward to continued success and growth in this exciting industry.”

Despatch Industries is a leading worldwide provider of thermal processing and environmental simulation solutions. Founded in 1902, closely held Despatch Industries is a technology-driven company committed to satisfying customer needs through ground-breaking research and development. Despatch continues to rapidly expand its global presence in the photovoltaic, semiconductor and electronic markets by anticipating and reacting to customer needs and supplying premium, innovative products.

For more information on Despatch and IR processing solutions click here:
www.despatch.com