PV Crystalox Solar started as an ingot furnace manufacturer. As part of its R&D and through the testing of products, it produced multicrystalline ingots.
PV Crystalox Solar was established in 1982. We were one of the first to develop multicrystalline silicon technology on an industrial scale, setting the industry standard for ingot production. As part of our R&D and through the testing of products, we produced multicrystalline ingots. Through the encouragement of our world-leading customers, the Company moved into producing ingots full time, ceasing to sell our propriety technology to what are now our competitors. We are a leader in the industry and were the first to develop multicrystalline technology on an industrial scale, producing the first 66cm ingots, which have since become the industry standard.
In 1985, Crystalox was taken over by Elkem ASA.
During the 1990s, Crystalox developed and manufactured equipment for the industrial production of multicrystalline silicon ingots and developed into one of the technology leaders in this area. PV Silicon was founded in 1997 in Erfurt, Germany and, together with an equipment manufacturer, developed the first generation of wire saws. In 1999, Crystalox entered into a strategic partnership with PV Silicon.
As the relationship between Crystalox and PV Silicon strengthened, the two companies merged to form the PV Crystalox Solar Group in 2002. In the same year, the sales division Crystalox Japan K.K. (name subsequently changed to PV Crystalox Solar K.K.) was founded to further improve relationships with customers in Asia.
In June 2007, the Company made a successful debut on the London Stock Exchange raising additional funds for in-house polysilicon production and to further expand its international business.
One of the most important milestones for the Group was the investment in our polysilicon manufacturing facility in Bitterfeld, Germany. Construction commenced in autumn of 2007, was completed at the end of 2008 and polysilicon production commenced in summer of 2009.