NSG Group has announced the warm up of a newly converted TCO (transparent conductive oxide) facility in Malaysia.
In this investment, an existing float line at the Johor Bahru factory of Malaysian Sheet Glass SDN BHD, a member of NSG Group, has been converted to begin producing TCO glass from December 2023. The investment is to support the expansion strategy of First Solar, Inc., a leading American solar technology company and global provider of responsibly produced eco-efficient solar modules, which has a long-standing strategic partnership with NSG Group. The float line will supply glass to First Solar’s Southeast Asia manufacturing footprint.
In order to meet the growing global demand for solar panels manufactured by First Solar, NSG Group started operation of the second dedicated float line for solar glass in Vietnam in January 2020, and a new plant in Luckey, Ohio, USA has been operating since November 2020. The glass produced in these plants is exclusively supplied to First Solar.
The Group is also considering expanding further capacity for solar energy glass in USA, to ensure it meets solar glass demand by First Solar.
NSG Group is promoting “Expansion of Value-added Business” as one of the measures listed in the medium-term management plan “Revival Plan 24.” (RP24) The expansion of solar glass based on NSG’s proprietary online coating technology is part of this strategy and also of their aim to contribute to solve global environmental issues, including promoting the shift of renewable energy.
The Group will continue its efforts to realize its Medium-Term Vision to be “A global glass supplier contributing to the world with high value-added glass products and services.”.