METALLKRAFT

NorSun Årdal, Metallkraft Kristiansand's main customer, changes its process by year-end and has no longer a need for Metallkraft's slurry services. As the general market for PV is difficult, with severe cutbacks in the European wafer manufacturing, Metallkraft is not able to find a replacement customer. Consequently, Metallkraft is forced to close the production in Kristiansand, affecting 21 employees with effect from March 1st 2012 onwards. This is highly regrettable, particularly as the Kristiansand plant has a high productivity and a record of uninterrupted and consistent production every year since production started in 2008. Press release

Oslo, August 19th 2011
Metallkraft invites you to visit our booth C7 located in hall B4G at the EUPVSEC exhibition in Hamburg. This year the event takes place September 5th-9th and we look forward to meeting both new and existing partners and friends within the solar PV industry. To make an appointment please call +4790526378 or send an e-mail to ronny.schumann@metallkraft.no.

Kristiansand 22.6.2011

Kristiansand 26.5.2011

Metallkraft's founder Dr. Knut Henriksen received yesterday Elkem Research Fund's coveted Innovation Award worth NOK 50,000. Last year's recepient was Prof. Otto Lohne at NTNU, and this year's award was given in recognition of Dr. Henriksen's work in developing a technology for recycling spent wafer cutting slurry.

Shanghai 25.2.2011

Metallkraft thanks new and old contacts for their overwhelming interest in our exhibition at this year's SNEC fair in Shanghai. We look forward to meeting you all again!

Yangzhou 24.1.2011

The Metallkraft process is a non-polluting alternative to processes based on extensive use of chemicals. In recognition of this the Yangzhou Industrial Development Zone has given Metallkraft Yangzhou a prestigious award during a ceremony attended by officials and industrials from the Jiangsu Province.

Kristiansand 18.1.2011

Metallkraft has successfully raised NOK 85 million (EUR 11 mill) in new share capital among existing shareholders. The expansion strengthens further Metallkraft’s ability to take advantage of the rapid growth in the vast Chinese market for slurry recycling.

Read more here

Kristiansand 4.1.2011

Terje Halvorsen has joined Metallkraft in a position as Senior Specialist in the R&D Department. Terje comes from Elkem Solar where he worked with maintenance and operation in the areas of solidification and post treatment of Elkem Solar Silicon®. Before his employment with Elkem Solar, Terje had various positions within R&D and operations in Dyno Nobel. Terje graduated from the University of Trondheim (NTNU) and holds a Master of Science degree in Industrial chemistry from 1994.  

Singapore 1.11.2010

The spectacular official opening of Metallkraft Singapore took place this morning and was attended by Metallkraft's Guest of Honour Mr. David Tan from JTC, the Norwegian Ambassador to Singapore, Ms. Janne Julsrud, as well as guests from REC, key suppliers and other representatives.

Whereas Metallkraft Singapore has been in regular supply to REC since April the ceremony gave Metallkraft employees from Singapore and the company's other sites an excellent opportunity to meet in a relaxed setting and to rejoice and reflect together on this important moment in the company's history.

See more photos here and video can be viewed here

New Delhi 29.10.2010

This year's DIREC in New Delhi was the second of its kind, and demonstrated clearly the strong growth in the Indian PV industry. Metallkraft met both new and exisiting contacts and got a good overview of the exciting and rapidly expanding Indian market. We thank our many guests for their interst in Metallkraft, and the Norwegian Embassy and Innovation Norway for the hospitality and friendship shown us during DIREC 2010.

Valencia 9.9.2010

Metallkraft thanks all existing and new partners and friends for their interest in our presentations during the EUPVSEC fair in Valencia this week.

Kristiansand 16.8.2010

Metallkraft continues its successful trainee program by welcoming Helle Fossheim to its R&D Department. Helle is a 2010 graduate of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, where she holds a Master of Science degree in materials technology. In addition to her tasks in the R&D field Helle will have ample opportunity to acquaint herself with the entire range of Metallkraft operations.

Shanghai 28.5.2010

Metallkraft invited customers and partners for a two-days program full of business and cultural events. The occasion was the celebration of Norway Day at the Expo 2010 in Shanghai, taking place with H.R.H. Crown Prince Haakon as the guest of honor.

Yangzhou 26.5.2010

A distinguished group of people, representing a wide range of Norwegian PV companies, suppliers to the industry, and research and education institutions, visited Yangzhou today. The delegation was shown around the factories of Metallkraft, JA Solar, Jiangsu Shunda and CSL. The delegation was also invited to a lavish lunch hosted by Director Ji Yun Feng of the Yangzhou Economic Development Zone.

Kristiansand 24.5.2010

Metallkraft's latest Annual Report is now available to shareholders and others interested in an update on the company's performance. A pdf-version is available under "Investor Releations". This year's Annual Report includes an evaluation of the market for slurry recycling in addition to the customary financial data.

Kristiansand 19.5.2010

The Norwegian Minister of Petroleum and Energy Mr. Terje Riis-Johansen led a delegation of high-ranking politicians and administrators on a visit to Metallkraft in Kristiansand this morning. Next week the Minister and Metallkraft meet again in Shanghai, and this visit served as a good preparation for next week's energy seminar at EXPO 2010.

Shanghai, 28.4.2010

We welcome all new and existing friends to visit us at Booth TF2048 in Hall W9 at the SNEC PV Power exhibition in Shanghai May 5th-7th. This year's exhibition takes place at the Shanghai New International Expo Center, 2345 Long Yang Road, Pudong District, Shanghai.

Singapore  9.4.2010

Metallkraft's Singapore factory has been working hard over the past several months to complete the installation and commissioning of the first phase of the processing facility in preparation for commercial operations. March was a productive month, with significant volumes of slurry successfully processed. We are happy to announce that commercial deliveries of SIC and PEG to REC will begin in week 15. Pictured above are key members of the Singapore Operations team and the Installation and Commissioning team. These first deliveries mark the beginning of commercial operations in Singapore, and we now look forward to a successful ramp to full-volume production.

Kristiansand  18.3.2010

The annual Career Day at Agder University in Kristiansand was used as an opportunity to present various job opportunities in Metallkraft. The event was attended by several thousands student and alumni and Metallkraft was one of around 80 exhibitors. Read our Career Opportunities page for more information on the open positions.

Yangzhou  08.03.2010

Today staff from MK Yangzhou participated in a city wide tree planting campaign as part of Yangzhou’s on-going environmental awareness program. Together with the local neighborhood committee in one of the city’s less affluent areas MK staff was happy to set a good example planting trees at a kindergarten and school, to the loud acclaim of local children and adults alike.

Kristiansand  4.2.2010

Climate Change Capital Private Equity, a EUR 200 mill fund dedicated to investments in clean technology companies, has led a convertible bond issue of NOK 140 mill in Metallkraft. The fund subscribed for NOK 85 mill (EUR 10.3 mill) of the NOK 140 mill (EUR 17.0 mill) total issue alongside existing shareholders and other investors.

Yangzhou  12.1.2010

Trond Giske, the Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry, headed a delegation of Norwegian officials visiting Metallkraft's plant in Yangzhou today. The Minister was given an introduction to the Metallkraft process and had the opportunity to meet many of the plant's more than 50 employees, before attending a lunch hosted by the Yangzhou city authorities.

Somewhere in Norway 11.1.2010

On an ice cold but sunny Monday morning Metallkraft's newest acquisition completed its first trial round on the road. This transport unit, a dedicated tank/pallet semi-trailer, increases further Metallkraft's ability to serve NorSun in Årdal in a timely manner.

Shanghai 2.12.2009

On December 2nd Metallkraft participated at the official roof topping ceremony for the Norwegian pavilion at Expo 2010 in Shanghai. The ceremony took place under the auspices of high-ranking Chinese and Norwegian officials, and under the motto "Powered by Nature" the Norwegian pavilion will serve as an important meeting point for Sino-Norwegian interests during the upcoming event. The Chinese hosts have created an impressive venue for Expo 2010, strategically located at the edge of the Huangpo river, right at the heart of bustling Shanghai.

Yangzhou  7.10.2009

A fatal accident, involving an externally employed maintenance worker, took place last week in Yangzhou. Metallkraft employees and management have received the information of his subsequent death with sadness. We extend our deepest sympathy to the worker's family.

Hamburg  24.9.2009

Located right at the heart of the fairground, Metallkraft's booth attracted many visitors at this year's EUPVSEC in Hamburg September 21st-24th. Together with our partner Landteknikk, Metallkraft welcomed old and new friends and partners for informal exchanges on wafer slurry recycling and distribution.

Kristiansand  20.8.2009

Roy Thorbjørnsen joins Metallkraft on September 1st 2009 taking over as Factory Manager for the company’s factory in Kristiansand. Mr. Thorbjørnsen (55) has broad experience as Site Management and Maintenance Manager from companies such as Hunsfos, Alloc and Høie. He replaces Jan Hindersland who takes on the position as Senior Process Engineer in Metallkraft.

Oslo  19.8.2009

At the "Småtinget 2009", the annual SME conference arranged by The Confederation of Norwegian Enterprises, Metallkraft was given extensive coverage. The occasion was the company's nomination for the 2009 Job Creator Award, and the event was attended by leading Norwegian politicians together with the CEOs of more than 600 small and medium sized businesses.

Kristiansand  18.8.2009

Kar Liang Lau (38) and Wee Meng Chua (34) visited the Headquarters of Metallkraft in Kristiansand this week. They recently joined Metallkraft Singapore as Process Managers, with the direct responsibility for the work shifts. During the visit to Norway they will cover a range of technical areas and learn from the operations in Kristiansand.

Oslo  3.8.2009

NHO, the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprises, has nominated Metallkraft AS for the 2009 Job Creator Award 2009. Metallkraft has been selected among three finalists by a jury composed of Johan H. Andresen jr, Jorun Pedersen and Thomas Heyerdahl.

Kristiansand  29.7.2009

Capricorn Venture Partners announced today that it has doubles its investment in Metallkraft. The Capricorn Cleantech Fund, domiciled in Leuven, Belgium, has acquired an additional 500,000 newly issued shares in Metallkraft under the company's on-going share expansion program. This transaction increases CCF's ownership in Metallkraft to 7%, doubling its initial investment from December last year.

Kristiansand  12.6.2009

Under the on-going share expansion programme the Norwegian investment fund Investinor has bought new Metallkraft shares for NOK 66 mill (EUR 7.5 mill) giving them an ownership share of 7 % in the company. At the same time it is announced that Investment Director Helle Moen joins the Metallkraft Board of Directors.

Kristiansand  2.6.2009

A distinguished group of Chinese visitors, led by the Yangzhou Mayor Ms. Wang, visited Norway and Metallkraft on June 1st and 2nd. Accompanied by Mr. Ni, the CEO of Jiangsu Shunda, and a large delegation from the Yangzhou Government, Ms. Wang was received by the Vice Mayor of Kristiansand, and together they signed a declaration of friendship between the two cities. In the evening on June 2nd Ms. Wang hosted a dinner in Oslo attended by the Chinese Ambassador H.E. Ms. Gao and the leadership of the Norwegian solar industry.

Kristiansand  1.6.2009

Metallkraft AS' 2008 Annual Report has been published in connection with the company's annual shareholders' meeting. Below you will find a link to the full version of the report.

Yangzhou  21.4.2009

In the presence of the Mayoress of Yangzhou, the Yangzhou Party Secretary, the Norwegian Ambassador to China, our customer Jiangsu Shunda, prospective customers, and other distinguished guests from China and abroad, Metallkraft Yangzhou opened officially today following a period of regular and successful production!

Yangzhou  31.3.2009

The Metallkraft employees in Yangzhou, headed by General Manager Xie Chunhua, are proud to announce that the first regular shipment of recovered silicon carbide and poly-ethylene glycol has taken place. Metallkraft's customer, Jiangsu Shunda in Tianshan, has received the product and starts wafering in close co-operation with Metallkraft's on-site R&D staff.

Brussels  11.2.2009

Metallkraft has become a full member of the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA), and is the only European slurry recycler having this status. EPIA is the world's largest industry association devoted to the solar photovoltaic electricity market. The association aims to promote PV at national, European and worldwide levels and to assist its members in their business development in both the European Union and export markets.

Oslo  4.2.2009

At a ceremony in Oslo on February 4th Metallkraft received the coveted “Energigründerprisen 2009” (Energy Founder Award 2009), an award that is sponsored by EBL (Norwegian Electricity Industry Association), Enova SF, Forskningsrådet (The Research Council of Norway), Gassnova SF, Innovasjon Norge (Innovation Norway), Norsk Industri (Federation of Norwegian Industry) and NVE (Norwegian Water Resourcse and Energy Directorate). The Award Committee chose Metallkraft in order "to recognize and reward persistent and diligent achievements in developing viable solutions in the area of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources."

Kristiansand  30.01.2009

Yesterday, Metallkraft met the students at Kristiansand's University of Agder, and was able to promote the company as an exciting choice for future employment. The Metallkraft Trainees Monica Moen and Kamilla Hovd manned our stand at the annual job fair and were inundated by questions and requests for additional information. It is obvious that a career in the solar business is attractive to many students!

Kristiansand  19.12.2008

A fund managed by Capricorn Venture Partners NV has purchased 500,000 shares, an investment of NOK 33 million (EUR 3.5 mill), in Metallkraft AS, representing an over-subscription of the recent share issue in the company. Capricorn is a Belgium-based independent pan-European manager of venture capital funds that invest in innovative European companies with technology as competitive advantage.

Yangzhou  8.12.2008

Construction work on the Metallkraft Yangzhou plant has been completed. The design of the main building with office block and workshop distinguishes itself through the use of modern design elements such as transparent building materials. The process installation is on-going and the plant starts regular production in February 2009.

Kristiansand  5.12.2008

A fund managed by Black River Asset Management LLC, an independently managed subsidiary of Cargill Inc, has invested approximately NOK 85 million in the latest share issue by Metallkraft. Black River Asset Management is a global asset management company that provides sophisticated institutional investors with alternative investment opportunities. Metallkraft's shareholder base now includes both Nordic and international investors.

Kristiansand  10.11.2008

Metallkraft AS has been nominated for the Norwegian 'Årets Ingeniørbragd' (Engineering Feat of the Year) to be awarded later this year. In this connection both Dr. Knut Henriksen and Managing Director Gunnar Kulia have been interviewed in the latest issue of Teknisk Ukeblad.

London  29.10.2008

Metallkraft has been nominated for the prestigious Deloitte Global Technology Fast 500 Award 2008. The award ceremony takes place at the Lord's Cricket Grounds on Tuesday November 25th.

Kristiansand  03.10.2008

Metallkraft AS has succeeded in raising NOK 180 million (EUR 22 million) in a share issue, managed by SEB Enskilda in Oslo, targeting existing and new investors. With this subscription Metallkraft, together with loan financing from Nordea Bank, rounds off the financing of its venture in Singapore, where it is scheduled to build a facility with an annual capacity of 40,000 tons spent cutting liquid, servicing REC ScanWafer’s newest wafer plant with recycling services. Existing shareholders signed up for around 50% of the NOK 180 million (EUR 22 million) share issue, and the remainder was raised among global institutional investors with a special interest in the energy sector. Read more in our Press Coverage section.

Oslo  23.09.2008

Metallkraft participates at the 1st Scandinavian Renewable Energy Conference at Lillestrøm, Norway on October 1st-2nd. While speaking at 12.10 on October 2nd, Commercial Director Ronny Schumann welcomes appointments for informal discussions at any time during the event.

Guangzhou  22.09.2008

H.E. Tormod C. Endresen, Consul General of Norway in Guangzhou, is interviewed by Guangdong Television at the 5th CISMEF trade fair. Main topics discussed were technologies offered by Metallkraft and other Norwegian companies, and the relevance of this know-how for solving some of the many environmental challenges facing China.

Kristiansand  17.09.2008

Dr. Trygve Eidet, and Metallkraft, receives favorable coverage in the latest issue of the leading Norwegian technical magazine Teknisk Ukeblad. The article outlines the potentially huge benefits of silicon recovery, both from existing and future slurry recovery plants. Read the whole article in our press coverage section.

Valencia  02.09.2008

Metallkraft is well represented at the 23rd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition in Valencia September 1st-5th. Visit us at M23 in the Mall area, or make an appointment for an informal exchange with our technical or commercial staff. We look forward to welcoming you!

Kristiansand  15.8.2008

Metallkraft launches its new trainee program and welcomes its first participant, Kamilla Hovd from Kristiansand. Kamilla graduated from the University of Agder this summer with an outstanding MBA degree, and starts her career in Metallkraft in the Finance and Accounting Department. She will also assist in the Sales and Marketing Department, taking on a variety of challenging tasks.

Kristiansand  1.8.2008

As of August 1st Harald Andersen takes on the responsibility for global logistics and specialities sales at Metallkraft AS. Harald comes from the position as Plant Manager in Kristiansand and has intimate knowledge of the products and their application. He holds an MBA from NHH in Bergen and has wide experience from managerial positions in Statoil and Markedsskraft. He joined Metallkraft AS in March 2006.

Kristiansand  26.06.2008

Metallkraft has appointed Mr. Eric Esser (39) to serve as General Manager of the plant to be built in order to serve REC in Singapore. Mr. Esser joins Metallkraft from the position as General Manager of Molecular Devices Shanghai, Ltd. In his previous position Mr. Esser successfully concluded a greenfield project in China to build a 100-person, USD 60 mill manufacturing operation. Mr. Esser holds a degree from the DeVry Institute of Technology in Dallas, Texas. He joins Metallkraft in a full-time position as of October 1st 2008, but is available on a part-time basis already from July 1st onwards.

Oslo  19.6.2008

Metallkraft has entered into a six-year agreement with REC Wafer for slurry recovery at REC’s new 1 GW Singapore plant. The contract has a value of around NOK 1 billion and represents a major breakthrough for the Metallkraft technology. Read more about this agreement in the attached press release.

Yangzhou  9.6.2008

Xie Chunhua (45), from Shanghai, China, has been appointed General Manager of Metallkraft Yangzhou Co.,Ltd. Mr. Xie joins Metallkraft from the position as General Manager in Qinzhou Dayang Cereals & Oils Co., Ltd. He holds a Master of Management degree from Fudan & Norwegian School of Management, and a Doctor of Business Administration degree from South Pacific University. He has previously worked 6 years with GE Healthcare in Shanghai as Deputy Plant Director and Regulatory Affairs Director. In his previous appointments Mr. Xie has distinguished himself by generating excellent financial results and successfully setting up new manufacturing sites in China for foreign owners.

Kristiansand  08.06.2008

Jan Hindersland has been appointed Plant Manager at Metallkraft's factory in Kristiansand as of August 1st 2008. Jan has a distinguished background from positions in a.o. GE Healthcare. Jan replaces Harald Andersen who has been appointed to a senior sales position with particular responsibility for global logistics and sales of specialities.

Kristiansand  30.5.2008

Metallkraft and NorSun today signed an agreement on recovery of spent cutting fluids from NorSun’s solar wafer manufacturing plant in Årdal, Norway. The contract, with an estimated value in excess of NOK 100 million, has an initial duration of four years.

Shanghai  12.5.2008

The SNEC 2nd International Photovoltaic Power Exhibition was a great success, and gave Metallkraft an excellent opportunity to greet existing and new friends in China.

Yanghzou  26.2.2008

On March 1st Metallkraft Yangzhou hosts a Groundbreaking Ceremony on the terrain of the future recycling factory. Headed by H.E. the Norwegian Consul General in Shanghai the Norwegian delegation looks forwarding to welcoming a distinguished Chinese delegation headed by the Mayor of Yangzhou.

Kristiansand  22.12.2007

We offer you a sneak preview of our new plant under construction in Yangzhou, China. The production hall, tank farm and utilities buildings to be completed by the end of 2008 are highlighted, whereas the shaded structures indicate the space available for further expansion.

Kristiansand  3.12.2007

Today the deadline was reached for participating in an invitation-only share expansion in Metallkraft AS. The company aimed initially at raising NOK 100 million. This was then increased and by the deadline new and existing shareholders have altogether signed on for a capital expansion exceeding NOK 200 mill. At NOK 85 per share this prices the company at more than NOK 600 million, pre-expansion. Among the existing shareholders all the major ones signed up proportionally to their current holdings. Major new investors include the Norwegian companies Rasmussengruppen, Spencer Energy, Nexus Capital and Skeie Capital Investment.

Oslo  28.11.2007

Metallkraft won the prestiguous Commercialization Award during a ceremony hosted by Innovation Norway in the Oslo Concert Hall this evening. The award, which also includes a prize of NOK 200,000, was won in competition with highly deserving co-nominees. (Photo: Kjetil Svorkmo Bergmann / Innovation Norway)

Oslo  23.11.2007

Metallkraft entered today into an agreement with the Norwegian ingots and wafer producer NorSun AS, a company in the Scatec Group. The agreement comprises a complete slurry mixing and distribution system that Metallkraft will supply to NorSun’s new factory in Årdal. The mixing and distribution system supplied to NorSun is state of the art equipment with all components made from high-grade stainless steel. The main components are supplied and installed by Metallkraft’s partner Landteknikk AS. Landteknikk is a major supplier of engineering services, processing plants and equipment to the Scandinavian dairy, brewery and pharmaceutical industry. The complete system, including storage tanks, mixing unit and distribution network will be ready for operation in May 2008.

Yangzhou  31.10.2007

Today, Metallkraft announces that it has signed a commercial contract with Jiangsu Shunda Semiconductor Development Co., Ltd. for SiC slurry recovery. The contract has a value of around USD 20 million during the first full year of operations. Metallkraft has, in order to serve the needs of Jiangsu Shunda, also entered into an agreement to build its first Chinese factory in the Yangzhou Economic Development Zone.

Yangzhou  31.10.2007

In order to meet its contractual obligations towards Jiangsu Shunda Metallkraft has decided to build its first plant in China in the city of Yangzhou in Jiangsu Province. An excellent site has been selected within the Yangzhou Economic Development Zone, a site that has been allotted for Solar PV development. The plant will be expanded in several stages and will reach a capacity of 80,000 mt spent slurry within a few years.

Kristiansand  10.9.2007

We at Metallkraft wish to thank the many customers, partners and new friends who visited us on our stand at the 22nd European PV Conference in Milano last week!