“The EIB’s loan approval is a key component in our financing plan for this strategic growth project,” said WACKER CFO Joachim Rauhut. “It ensures that we retain sufficient financial flexibility – in light of the current difficult economic situation – to move forward with the expansion of our polysilicon production facility as planned.” At the same time, Rauhut continued, EIB conditions were attractive compared to conventional bank loans or bonds. “I view the loan’s approval as confirmation of WACKER’s high creditworthiness and as further proof of the close working relationship that we have maintained with the EIB for many years,” the CFO stressed.
The new polysilicon facility at the Nünchritz site has a nominal capacity of 10,000 metric tons per year and is set for commissioning in 2011. Thanks to these steps, as well as other ongoing expansion measures at the Burghausen site, WACKER’s polysilicon capacity will reach 35,500 metric tons annually, compared to today’s 15,000 metric tons. This expansion will enable WACKER to meet the increasing global demand it expects for hyperpure polycrystalline silicon. For coming years, WACKER anticipates continued double-digit annual growth in solar-sector polysilicon demand.
This press release contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions and estimates of WACKER’s Executive Board. Although we assume the expectations in these forward-looking statements are realistic, we cannot guarantee they will prove to be correct. The assumptions may harbor risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual figures to differ considerably from the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such discrepancies include, among other things, changes in the economic and business environment, variations in exchange and interest rates, the introduction of competing products, lack of acceptance for new products or services, and changes in corporate strategy. WACKER does not plan to update the forward-looking statements, nor does it assume the obligation to do so.