Centrosolar establishes branch in Benelux

CENTROSOLAR Group AG has opened an international branch in the Netherlands. In taking this step, the specialist for photovoltaic systems is intensifying its existing activities in Benelux. Managing Director Michiel van Schalkwijk brings over 15 years of experience in the solar industry to his new post. The new office is based in Tiel (Netherlands), 30 kilometres south of Utrecht.

Centrosolar is able to build on an existing network of customers in Belgium and the Netherlands. Until now, its activities there have been managed from Germany. Thanks to its local presence and the new opportunity for a local to provide support for customers, the company expects to see an increase in revenue in the important Belgian and Dutch PV markets. The focal areas are solar modules for private households and larger systems for industrial roofs. Centrosolar Benelux will be able to call on the support and technical expertise of the German parent company in serving the new markets.

The Dutch subsidiary will supply crystalline solar modules, systems for roof integration and thin-film systems. In view of the attractive subsidies available, the company anticipates that the sales volume will ultimately reach the double-digit megawatt range.

Centrosolar is taking its international expansion one step further in opening the new branch. In 2008, the solar specialist generated over 60 percent of its revenue internationally. It has other branches in Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Greece and the USA.

CENTROSOLAR Group
AG (ISIN DE0005148506) is among Europe´s leading suppliers of photovoltaic (PV) systems for roofs and related key components, with currently more than 1,000 employees and revenue of around EUR 333 million in 2008. It generates  more than half its revenue internationally. The company has its own sales offices in Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the USA.