Meyer Burger ceases manufacturing operations in the U.S.
Meyer Burger Halts US Production, Leaving Question Marks Over German Sites
Swiss solar company Meyer Burger has halted production at its facility in Goodyear, Arizona, leading to the dismissal of 282 employees and the closure of a 1.4 GW solar module factory. The move comes amidst significant financial difficulties and restructuring talks with bondholders.
In Arizona, Meyer Burger's research and machinery site for solar production employs approximately 300 workers, who have been on short-time work since last year. In Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Saxony-Anhalt, solar cells are produced and around 300 employees have been on short-time work since May.
The immediate impact of this decision appears focused on the US; however, the future of Meyer Burger's German locations, especially Hohenstein-Ernstthal and Bitterfeld-Wolfen, remains uncertain. Meyer Burger's spokesperson was unable to comment on the specific implications for these sites, as negotiations with bondholders are still ongoing.
Meyer Burger has faced financial challenges for several years, including stiff competition from Chinese manufacturers. The company previously considered a reduction of around 20 percent of its workforce, possibly including Germany. In December, creditors secured a bridging finance of nearly 40 million US dollars.
Potential consequences for the German locations may include financial and operational pressures, reduced growth ambitions, supply chain disruptions, and increased competition with Asian manufacturers. Despite these concerns, specific actions for Hohenstein-Ernstthal and Bitterfeld-Wolfen have not yet been announced.
[1] Source: ntv.de, lar/dpa
- Solar energy
- Industry
- USA
- Photovoltaics
- Arizona
- Amidst the uncertain future of Meyer Burger's German locations, including Hohenstein-Ernstthal and Bitterfeld-Wolfen, the company could implement a community policy that focuses on re-skilling or vocational training for affected employees, as they face financial and operational pressures, reduced growth ambitions, and increased competition with Asian manufacturers.
- In an effort to stay competitive in the evolving solar energy industry, especially with the rising competition from Chinese manufacturers, Meyer Burger could consider integrating technology innovations into their vocational training programs at their German sites, such as Hohenstein-Ernstthal and Bitterfeld-Wolfen, to enhance the skills of its workforce and maintain a competitive edge.
