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The cooperative Mondragon Assembly, based in Aretxabaleta (Gipuzkoa) and specialising in automation and robotics solutions, obtained the largest order in its history this month. The company is set to supply 20 tabber and stringer machines to a Chinese firm for automation of solar panel assembly.

The deal amounts to just over 10 million euros and represents a new landmark in order acquisition for the Guipuzcoa cooperative.

The tabber-stringers will be produced at the Mondragon Assembly plant in Aretxabaleta in Guipuzcoa province and will account for a notable increase in their activity throughout the first half of next year. The allocation of this project will enable the creation of around 12 new  jobs in Aretxabaleta, increased business for the collaborating workshops in the area and the start-up of an after-sales structure in China.

To give a closer idea of what this project means, Mondragon Assembly anticipates ending the financial year 2010 with a consolidated turnover of more than 22 million euros and a staff of 160 (taking into account the Aretxabaleta plant and those of Orange, France, Querétaro, México and Stockach, Germany). In 2011 the firm expects to achieve a total revenue of close to 35 million euros, a 40% increase on last year’s figure.

The assembly of solar panels, which consist of a network of interconnected cells, is a highly complex process and there is much demand for automation from manufacturers. Mondragon Assembly’s contribution is therefore important in this area, as its tabber and stringers provide high reliability for the delicate and highly critical process of welding the cells making up the panel.

The 20 tabber and stringers will be operative by November 2011 and they will enable the Chinese company, which has a significant market share, to supply its products worldwide.

Two more machines

Another major solar panel sector company has also recently called on Mondragon Assembly to produce two tabber and stringers for one of its production plants in China.

These important orders confirm Mondragon Assembly’s strategic commitment to the photovoltaic sector and the internationalisation of its business. The two orders will in fact be an excellent form of presentation for other major markets such as Malaysia, Brazil, India, the USA or Canada, countries that are taking a major stake in renewable energies.

Lastly, we would highlight Mondragon Assembly’s clear commitment over these last years to innovation, in which it has invested some 3% of its revenue with a view to extending its range of products and services. One of the keys to this strategy has been the company’s collaboration with the Koniker research centre, also forming part of the MONDRAGON Corporation and specialising in metal forming and assembly.

http://www.mondragon-assembly.com/