A groundbreaking ceremony has taken place for the future manufacturing hub of Panansonic’s HIT modules in Malaysia, Sunday, March 4, 2011. In an attempt to become cost-competitive with Asia-based rivals, the 300MW plant is the company’s first fully integrated facility, which will fabricate solar wafers, cells and modules.

　　Being built at the Kulim Hi-Tech Park in the state of Kedah, Panasonic is investing approximately ¥22.5 billion in the plant, which is expected to be completed in December 2012. When fully operational, the plant is expected to employ approximately 1,500 workers.

　　Masato Ito, president of the Energy Company of Panasonic Corporation, said, "Thanks to the tremendous support from the Malaysian government, we are able to hold this groundbreaking ceremony today. Once the new manufacturing facility starts running, our production capacity will be 1.5 times greater than at present. And with the facility at the core, we hope to continuously contribute to the development of Malaysia, as well as further expanding our business globally."

　　"With Panasonic Energy Malaysia serving as our new solar manufacturing base, we are confident that it will accelerate our solar business development globally and expand our total energy solution capacity,” commented Tetsuhiro Maeda, VP of the Energy Company of Panasonic Group. “This new facility with a fully integrated production capability of solar wafers, cells and modules, will also realize a production structure that is best suited for the global market."