”We managed to have all the essential steps along the photovoltaics process chain represented by steering committee members. I am looking forward to further strengthen VDMA's photovoltaics competence together with the experienced colleagues”, underlines Fath. Moreover, the following experts were appointed committee members: Hans-Joachim Bender (Robert Bürkle GmbH), Stephan Geiger (rofin Carl Baasel Lasertechnik GmbH & Co. KG), Uwe Gottschlich (Sterling SIHI GmbH), Steffen Günther (Reis GmbH & Co. KG Maschinenfabrik), Klaus Löffler (Trumpf Laser- und Systemtechnik GmbH), Carsten Mohr (W.C. Heraeus GmbH), Stefan Schiller (Schiller Automation GmbH & Co. KG), Wolfgang Schürgers (Herbert Arnold GmbH & Co. KG),  Egbert Wenninger (Grenzebach Maschinenbau GmbH).

”The Steering Committee Photovoltaics Equipment is a representative body for more than 100 member companies of VDMA within this booming, export-oriented industry sector”, adds Thilo Brodtmann, Deputy Executive Director of VDMA. Nine VDMA divisions cover all aspects of the optimization of photovoltaic production. The Photovoltaic Equipment Forum exists since 2007 as an own brand with a wide range of services for its members.

”Innovations in machinery and plant manufacturing guarantee the continuous cost reduction we need for solar power generation. German machine makers are forerunners in this industry sector, world-wide. Thus, VDMA as the largest European industry association is the ideal platform to further extend our lead”, Fath explains. ”One of our main objectives is the development of roadmaps for photovoltaic production, which can provide useful orientation for machine manufacturers. Besides, we need further market transparency, networking quality and visibility for the industry sector. The Steering Committee will intensively support VDMA's activities in this respect.”

Approximately 100 VDMA member companies are active in the photovoltaic sector. The VDMA photovoltaic equipment forum is the topic-oriented collaboration of the VDMA sectors electronics production (Productronics), glass technology, energy, organic electronics, robotics and automation, laser technology and photonics, as well as surface treatment, vacuum technology and flat panel displays. The foundation of the forum has allowed for an extension of this topic within VDMA, closer networking and the use of synergies between the VDMA sectors as well as the creation of a PV brand for VDMA.

The German Engineering Federation (VDMA) represents more than 3,000 companies in the engineering industry, many of which are small and medium sized enterprises. With about 975,000 employees all over Germany and a sales turnover of 205 billion Euros (in 2008) the industry is the biggest employer and one of the leading sectors of the German industry as a whole.