Despatch Industries Sells New Integrated, In-line Diffusion System into Asian Photovoltaic Market

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., U.S.A. – October 27, 2006 – Despatch Industries announced today that it has received another order for the company’s newly launched DCF 3630 Integrated, In-line Diffusion System. This is the first sale of the fully integrated, in-line phosphorus doper and diffusion furnace to a solar cell manufacturer in the rapidly growing Asian market. The system is scheduled to be installed in the first quarter of 2007.

In addition to the new Integrated, In-line Diffusion System, the manufacturer will utilize Despatch’s CDF Series metallization firing furnace in the 30MW production line. The popular CDF Series recently achieved a 1GW production capacity milestone in new customer orders.

“The overwhelming response to our photovoltaic products is a confirmation of our ability to provide customers with the capability of reaching higher efficiencies through the use of Despatch equipment in their solar cell manufacturing lines,” says Brian Bunkenburg, Director of Custom Products and New Product Development. “As the industry continues to shift toward in-line processing our customers are looking to Despatch for phosphorus coater and diffusion equipment, integrated with shallow emitter process technology, to produce the new generation of high efficiency solar cells.”

Despatch Industries is a worldwide leader in solar cell manufacturing technology. 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.

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www.despatch.com