Taiwan - Unitech PCB, which is diversifying into the photovoltaic industry, is seeking a long-term contract for silicon wafers to sustain supply in an industry-wide material shortage.
According to Digitimes magazine, Unitech has authorized chairman Chang Pen-tsao to sign a contract for silicon wafer supply. The company said it is holding talks with suppliers and no specific terms have been determined. The PCB manufacturer is investing over $30.74 million to build a solar cell plant in Taiwan's northeastern county of Yilan, and the company expects the plant to start volume production in mid 2008.
The company reportedly has already secured a six to 12 month short-term supply of solar grade silicon wafers.