3M to build new solar materials plant in China

3M announced that it will begin construction on a new photovoltaic solar materials and renewable energy products plant in Heifei High Tech Park in China. This new plant is being built in partnership with the Hefei High-Tech Industrial Development Area. 3M has eight other manufacturing plants in China. The proposed plant will produce a variety of solar products, including Scotchshield film, which is used in crystalline silicon solar photovoltaic modules. Plant construction is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2011. 3M has been expanding in the area of solar material on a global scale, including plants in the U.S., Germany and Singapore. Mike Rowan, vice president and general manager of 3M renewable energy division, says that, “3M is committed to providing innovative renewable energy solutions to support our customers globally. We are excited about the collaboration with Hefei High-Tech Industrial Development Area to help drive this initiative. The state-of-the-art Hefei facility increases our production capacity of 3M’s solar materials portfolio at a location that is close to local customers and at a time when renewable energy is setting a precedent for the future.” (April 7, 2011)