While US-based vendor Applied Materials is the king of the hill in the PV cell manufacturing business, European companies dominate the market, says a VLSI Research Study. According to the study, in 2008, Applied Materials was by far the largest provider for photovoltaic cell manufacturing equipment with sales of US$455M in this sector. No 2 was Roth & Rau AG from Hohenstein-Ernstthal, Germany. The company achieved relevant sales of US$275M in 2008. Closely following, with sales of US$270M, is Centrotherm GmbH of Blaubeuren, Germany and OC Oerlikon Balzers AG of Switzerland then follows with revenues of US$250M. In 5th place is Ulvac Inc of Japan, clocking sales of US$240M. No 6 is Manz Automation AG of Germany, with sales of US$140M. 7th place goes to Von Ardenne GmbH at US$120M and 7th place goes to Rena Sondermaschinen (Germany), with sales of US$85M.
