Wacker to restart U.S. polysilicon production
Wacker Chemie has said it is gradually ramping up production at its beleaguered U.S. polysilicon production site, with product expected to be again available in Q2. The shutdown has affected its Q1 earnings, with sales down 18% compared to a year ago.
Wacker’s polysilicon business grows in 2017
The turnover of the Munich-based chemical company increased by 6%. The polysilicon business of Wacker Chemie also continued to increase last year; however, the production halt in the U.S. prevented even stronger growth.
Wacker reveals details on explosion at its US facility
Tennessee safety authorities have submitted their report on the hydrogen explosion at the polysilicon plant of the German manufacturer in Charleston. They demand $25,400 in fines from Wacker Chemie for violations of various regulations, and the company continues its efforts to resume production.
Wacker’s US polysilicon factory still on hold
Following an explosion at a U.S. production facility in 2017, the German polysilicon producer is under investigation by local authorities. Wacker Chemie must now pay a fine of $20,000 for failing to comply with certain regulations regarding the provision of personal protective equipment and employee safety during maintenance work prior to the accident.
Hemlock calls on Trump to restore access to the Chinese polysilicon market
The last round of the trade war decimated U.S. polysilicon, and Hemlock Semiconductor is calling on Trump to address this in the Section 201 remedy.
REC Silicon sees 38% sales increase in Q3
Leading polysilicon producer REC Silicon posted revenue of $75.5 million in the third quarter – 23% above the previous quarter. REC saw a 38% increase in sales volume, despite polysilicon production for the quarter coming in slightly below guidance.
Global solar market to reach nearly 100 GW this year
Bernreuter Research forecasts that newly installed solar PV capacity will climb to 95 GW in 2017 and could hit 100 GW. Polysilicon spot prices set to fall by end of year.
Hemlock Semiconductor to lay off 100 workers
The Michigan-based polysilicon maker has been in trouble since the imposition of Chinese trade duties on imported polysilicon in 2013.
Appeals court upholds SolarWorld’s $800 million debt to Hemlock
The ruling comes as the German solar manufacturer is restarting following an insolvency process, and Hemlock may have a hard time collecting.
REC Silicon’s sales rise 18% in Q2, net loss increases
The Norwegian-American polysilicon producer saw its revenue drop slightly Y-o-Y to $61 million in the latest quarter, as its Washington polysilicon facility runs at only 50% utilization due to restricted access to the Chinese market.
