HEMLOCK LAUNCHES SEARCH FOR SILICON MANUFACTURING SITE.

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HEMLOCK, Mich., July 31 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --

Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation, based in Hemlock, Mich. (USA), is launching a worldwide search for a potential second manufacturing site to produce polycrystalline silicon to support the growing demand from the solar industry and electronics markets.

The search will begin immediately as company officials evaluate locations throughout the globe. Hemlock Semiconductor would like to have the new facility operational within the next 5 years. Factors in selecting the new site include: cost of energy, tax considerations, incentive programs, labor and land costs, and the surrounding infrastructure.

"The solar industry requires polycrystalline silicon to continue to develop the next generation of solar technologies," said Richard S. Doornbos, president and CEO of Hemlock Semiconductor. "We're looking for a site that enables us to expand and continue to serve customers around the world in this rapidly growing and progressive industry. Exploring opportunities for adding capacity in Michigan will get the same consideration as other potential global sites," said Doornbos.

Polycrystalline silicon is the cornerstone material used to produce solar cells that harvest energy from sunlight. An ultra-pure version of the material is also the base-material for silicon wafers used in electronic devices.

Hemlock Semiconductor is the world's largest producer of polycrystalline silicon. In November 2005, the company broke ground on an expansion at its existing facility in Hemlock, Mich. that will increase the site's current annual capacity of 10,000 metric tons to 14,500 metric tons in 2008 and then to 19,000 metric tons by 2009. Doornbos said the capacity at the second site will provide additional flexibility for future growth.