First Solar to put new factory into operation before 2018

First Solar, a global manufacturer of thin-film module technology, is stepping up its recruitment to kick-off its operations in Ho Chi Minh City in the fourth quarter of 2018.

First Solar Vietnam has recently held a career day at Binh Duong’s Mira Hotel to support the recruitment of associates across the company’s operations. The company will be developing local talent in roles that include manufacturing operators, quality engineers, supplier quality engineers, EHS engineers, shift managers, IT staff, and all manner of administrative and support roles—bringing First Solar’s total number of associates to over 950 in the nation.

First Solar has re-affirmed its commitment to Vietnam by injecting an additional $360 million into the construction of a second 1.2GW high-tech factory at South East Industrial Zone in Ho Chi Minh City, bringing the total investment to $830 million.

Combined, the two factories will produce 2.4GW of First Solar’s Series 6 modules annually when fully operational. With preliminary module production expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2018, First Solar’s new Series 6 product, founded on First Solar’s advanced thin-film photovoltaic (PV) core technology, will debut with an anticipated 445W generation capacity and 18 per cent conversion efficiency.

“First Solar Vietnam is looking forward to gearing up and teaming up for 2018,” said Chan See Chong, First Solar Vietnam’s managing director. “With the production of our new Series 6 product set to kick-off later in the year, we are looking for new associates to join our skilled workforce, to undertake a full and rigorous induction programme, and to understand our company culture as we ramp up our Dong Nam manufacturing facility.”

“We are committed to investing in the local economy in Vietnam and I want to thank the community and industry for their continuous support to ensure the success of our manufacturing facility. As part of this commitment, we look forward to offering people in Vietnam the chance to kick-start or continue their careers with us,” he added.

Source: VIR