By PV magazine // In light of the current market conditions, Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd has temporarily reduced its photovoltaic cell production capacity in Wuxi, China. Around 1,500 employees have been affected by the decision.
New CEO, David King has said that on the back of continued oversupply, and the U.S. and European anti-dumping investigations, the photovoltaic module manufacturer has temporarily reduced its photovoltaic cell capacity to 1.8 GW. The company’s module and wafer capacities will remain at 2.4 GW and 1.6 GW, respectively.
In a statement released, Suntech said around 1,500 employees are expected to be affected by the move. While the “majority” will be offered positions at other production locations, an undisclosed number will be provided with severance packages.
“With a smaller manufacturing base we will be able to lower production cost, increase utilization rates and improve product performance. With these and other initiatives we target to create a sustainable business model and return to positive operating cash flow in 2013,” commented King.
Suntech is aiming to reduce this year’s operating expenses by 20%, in comparison to 2011. “Impairments related to the closure of facilities, severance payments and other related expenses are currently being assessed and will be disclosed in the Company’s third quarter 2012 earnings report,” continued the statement.
No one was immediately available for comment.
