Despatch Industries Introduces New Dual Lane UltraFlex(TM) Firing Furnace

MINNEAPOLIS, MN--(Marketwire - January 12, 2010) - Despatch Industries, a leading technology and equipment provider for the solar industry, announces the company's latest development in the successful UltraFlex™ product portfolio, the dual lane UltraFlex™ firing furnace and dryer. Based on the unprecedented market adoption of the single lane UltraFlex™, Despatch has created a high-capacity, dual lane configuration. Continuing the achievement of this product platform, Despatch has already sold its first dual lane unit to a European solar cell manufacturer.

"The new dual lane UltraFlex™ products are representative of the next generation in technology innovation," states Brian Bunkenburg, Despatch Solar CTO. "They are designed to provide our customers with immediate performance improvements while enabling the flexibility to quickly take advantage of relevant industry advancements."

The dual lane UltraFlex hosts the same revolutionary features as the single lane furnace, but increases processing capacity to 2400-4000 wafers per hour. The high throughput furnace incorporates Despatch's Microzone™ technology which enables shaping of unique firing profiles, independent of belt speed. The Microzones™ are configured to create the sharp divisions and tight control necessary to adapt to the industry's ever-changing pastes and cell architectures.

Despatch's UltraFlex™ presents a smarter, more efficient tool with a smaller footprint and a first-of-its-kind configuration. The company redesigned the airflow system for increased efficiency and developed new, custom lamps that operate at optimal levels and enable maximum absorption of energy into each cell. The efficient UltraFlex™ configuration incorporates a four meter drying section that provides optimal drying at faster belt speeds. Despatch's new, patent-pending VOC Thermal Oxidizer is integrated into the dryer and provides virtually maintenance free elimination of VOCs at point-of-generation.

Despatch firing furnace technology is consistently recognized as the best available in the industry. The company currently holds the number one market share for metallization firing furnaces, having sold over 200 units into China alone, and has shipped over 10GW of firing furnace production capacity worldwide.

Despatch Industries designs and engineers market-leading tools and technology for the solar cell manufacturing industry. The company's regional offices and complete global service network allow Despatch to provide local sales and product support to all customers worldwide. Despatch equipment is consistently recognized for exceptional performance and process quality, optimal cell efficiency, maximum uptime and reduced operating costs. For more information on Despatch visit our website: www.despatch.com

Contact Information: Media Contact: Amber Schramm 1-952-469-8140