DuPont Microcircuit Materials (MCM), part of DuPont Electronic Technologies, has announced it recently doubled production capacity and made key quality improvements at its European Electronic Materials Manufacturing Facility in Bristol, U.K.  Driven by anticipated long-term growth in the photovoltaic (PV) solar energy industry, DuPont MCM predicts a significant increase in demand for DuPont Solamet thick film metallization pastes, and expects that this demand will multiply over the next five years.

"DuPont Solamet thick film metallization pastes enable solar cell manufacturers to significantly reduce their cost per watt by achieving higher cell efficiencies, higher production yields and more efficient use of materials," said Craig Oliver – European business manager, DuPont Microcircuit Materials. "We undertook this expansion project to support the fast-growing photovoltaic market in Europe and the increasing portfolio of Solamet products jointly developed by MCM research facilities worldwide, including our newest Solamet PV159 front side conductor. We expect the growth trend to continue in PV, enabled by Solamet and other materials from DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions (DPVS)."

In addition to the increased production capacity for Solamet and other MCM thick film materials, which are used in a wide variety of electronic applications and destined primarily for customers in Europe, the expansion project includes the enhancement of all clean room facilities to meet the continually improving quality requirements of DuPont MCM customers.  

"This state-of-the-art manufacturing facility enables DuPont to meet and exceed customer expectations for high quality and consistency," Oliver said.