Bridgestone to install new solar EVA production lines at Seki plant, increase overall capacity

Bridgestone will increase its production capacity of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) film, which is used as an adhesive for solar modules. The company said it will install new production lines at its Seki Plant in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, adding to its existing EVA film manufacturing site in Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

The production capacity at the Seki plant will be 1200 tons per month by the second half of 2011, at a total investment of about ¥4.4 billion ($48.67 million), according to the company.

In September 2008, Bridgestone said it had earmarked approximately ¥5.4 billion ($59.76 million at current rates) for investment in the Iwata plant, with plans to begin increasing production in early 2011. Combined with the previously announced capacity expansion plans in April 2008 which will take effect in late 2010, the leading tire and rubber company stated at the time that it expected total monthly production of EVA film to reach approximately 3000 tons, once the lines ramped to volume.

Bridgestone says it will continue to consider further production increases in line with projected growth in demand for solar modules, especially in Europe and China.