Solar cell maker Motech Industries Inc (茂迪) said yesterday it had been accepted as a member by the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA), becoming the first Taiwanese solar company to join the group.
The EPIA is the world’s largest industry association devoted to the development of the solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity market. Its main priority is to assist its members in developing their businesses in the EU and promoting exports in other markets.
“We are taking this opportunity to gain a greater understanding and increase our involvement in the policies that have and will continue to shape this market,” Motech chief executive officer Chang Peng-heng (張秉衡) said in a statement.
“In addition, our membership in the EPIA assures our worldwide partners of our continued presence in the market,” Chang said.
Motech’s admission into the association follows its establishment of a representative office in Europe at the beginning of this year to provide better service and support to its customers there.
The company has seen its fortunes improve this year, posting NT$2.8 billion (US$93.70 million) in net profit in the first nine months, compared with a net loss of NT$387 million recorded during the same period last year.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (台積電), the world’s largest contract chip maker, currently holds about a 20 percent stake in Motech as part of its efforts to diversify into the renewable energy sector.
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