Key Photovoltaic Manufacturer Recommits to Despatch Industries for Latest Expansion

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., U.S.A. – October 26, 2006 – Despatch Industries, a global leader of in-line thermo-processing systems, announced today that it has accepted an order for additional infrared Drying and Firing furnaces used in solar cell production from a significant customer in Asia. The customer utilizes Despatch equipment in its current manufacturing processes and has decided to expand solar cell production to twice the original capacity. The customer has again chosen Despatch equipment to meet their exciting challenge.

The order is for a range of infrared (IR) products from Despatch’s photovoltaic products portfolio. These products are designed to provide superior thermal processing control, improved cost of ownership and a value added feature set of options. The patent pending design consistently produces high-efficiency solar cells while maximizing uptime and throughput. Since its entrance into the photovoltaic market, Despatch has engineered and manufactured solar cell production equipment that has improved and optimized in-line solar cell manufacturing.

“At Despatch we continue to invest in our product roadmaps as well as our local support services,” says Brian Bunkenburg, Director of Custom Products and New Product Development. “Having our customers respond to these efforts by making repeat purchases from us is exciting and rewarding. We will continue to work hard for our customers to provide the highest quality, most innovative products, backed by the best support possible.”

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