Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Oerlikon Names Jeannine Sargent CEO of Oerlikon Solar to Further Expand Enterprise

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Jeannine Sargent Oerlikon Solar CEO

Abstract:
OC Oerlikon Corporation AG, Pfäffikon, a global manufacturer of production systems, components and services for high-tech industrial applications, continued to strengthen its commitment to its solar business by announcing today that technology industry veteran, Jeannine Sargent, has been named to the newly created position of chief executive officer (CEO) of Oerlikon Solar, putting all solar-related business under one umbrella.

Oerlikon Names Jeannine Sargent CEO of Oerlikon Solar to Further Expand Enterprise

PFAFFIKON, Switzerland | Posted on September 3rd, 2007

The photovoltaics industry has been growing at a rate of 20 percent to 30 percent per year over the last decade, and industry analysts estimate momentum should continue at a two-digit pace until 2030. Such projections lend credence to the overall strength of the industry as Oerlikon works toward one of its overall goals of bringing technologically and economically leading solar energy solutions to the world market.

"Jeannine's unique combination of management, marketing and business development experience make her an outstanding choice to guide Oerlikon Solar into the future as we continue to strengthen our lead in the global solar market," said Dr. Uwe Krüger, CEO of Oerlikon. "Demand for sustainable alternative energy has led to the tremendous growth of the solar energy market. The addition of Jeannine to our already experienced solar team further strengthens Oerlikon's ability to lead the way in making solar energy an environmental and economic reality. We welcome her to the team and look forward to her leadership."

"I am pleased to join Oerlikon and participate in advancing the company as a market leader in solar energy solutions," Sargent said. "There are synergies and lessons learned to apply toward technology investment and product development between the emerging solar market and the complex, fast-paced industries of semiconductors, communications and nanotechnology that I have contributed to over the years. I look forward to leading this business to new levels."

Sargent, who has 20 years experience working with public and private high-tech companies, most recently served as executive vice president and general manager of Veeco Instruments' Metrology and Instrumentation business. In her role at Veeco, a provider of nanoscale applications for the data storage, semiconductor and other markets, she also was responsible for worldwide corporate marketing and business development activities. From 1997 to 2002, Sargent was the president and CEO of Voyan Technology, a software company concerned with advanced process control and performance optimization for semiconductor and broadband communication industries. Sargent also held top marketing and senior management positions at both Gasonics International and Tencor Instruments, which is now KLA-Tencor. Early in her career, Sargent was a device and process integration engineer for Digital Equipment Corporation.

Sargent holds a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering, graduating magna cum laude from Northeastern University in Boston. She also is the author of numerous technical and marketing publications. Sargent will be based in Truebbach, Switzerland as CEO of Oerlikon Solar, a leading global supplier of field-proven turnkey production solutions for thin-film silicon solar modules.

As the market leader, Oerlikon Solar already has experienced numerous successes including being the world's only provider of Transparent Conductive Oxide (TCO) that, when combined with Oerlikon Solar's production technology, is used for the production of thin-film silicon solar modules. TCO 1200 is part of Oerlikon Solar's FAB 1200 production line, and the first solar factory of this new generation has been built at ersol Thin Film GmbH in Erfurt, Germany where mass production is currently being ramped up. Customer CMC Magnetics Corp. in Taiwan also recently entered into an agreement with Oerlikon Solar for the supply of a 40 megawatt peak (MWp) production plant for thin-film solar modules. This deal marks Oerlikon Solar's first major order in Asia and represents the world's first fully automated production line with integrated testing systems.

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About OC Oerlikon Corporation AG
Oerlikon (SWX:OERL) is among the world's most successful industrial high-tech companies focusing on machine and systems engineering. Oerlikon stands for leading industrial solutions and cutting-edge technology in textile production, thin film coating, propulsion, precision and vacuum technology. As a company with Swiss roots and a 100-year tradition, Oerlikon, with CHF 4.8 billion in sales, over 19,000 employees at 170 locations in 35 countries, has evolved into a global player today. The group is ranked first or second in each of its respective markets.

About Oerlikon Solar

Oerlikon Solar offers cost-effective, field proven turnkey solutions for the mass production of thin-film silicon solar modules. These fully automated, modular end-to-end manufacturing solutions are focused on reducing device cost and maximizing productivity. They are available as modular end-to-end solutions with metrology and upgradeability in throughput and process technology.

Oerlikon Solar has developed a unique and innovative technology based on its leadership in thin film technology and in close cooperation with its customers. An in-house pilot line allows producing, testing and optimizing the solar modules in full production size.

Headquartered in Truebbach, Switzerland, Oerlikon Solar maintains an R&D lab in Europe, as well as global customer support and training through sales and service centers in the United States, Europe and Asia.

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Contacts:
Oerlikon Solar
Burkhard Boendel
+41 58 360 96 05
Corporate Communications
Fax: +41 58 360 91 93

www.oerlikon.com
or
OC Oerlikon Balzers Ltd., Solar
Juerg Steinmann
+423 388 45 15
Fax: +423 388 54 21