Establishment of a supplier and production network for PV cells and modules in low-cost Asian countries for a medium-sized PV module manufacturer

in the role of VP Purchasing

Company: Medium-sized PV module manufacturer

Industry: Photovoltaics

Annual Revenue: > €1.0 billion

Number of employees: > 2,000

Situation at the client:
Revision of the business model due to high cost pressure and volatile demand

Headquarters: Mainz, Germany

Website: Schott Solar – Wikipedia

Role: Head of special project

Period (duration): 01/2010 to 12/2011 (24 months)

Responsibilities:

  • Project budget: €500,000/p.a.
  • 5 employees

  • Special Project “Production Outsourcing”

  • Establishment of cost-efficient production capacities in “Low Cost Countries” in Asia, with a focus on China, South Korea, and Taiwan

  • Qualification according to the SCHOTT Solar “Innovation Stage Gate Process”

  • Commercial onboarding of production partners/suppliers

  • Creation and evaluation of long/short lists
  • Qualification of production lines at suppliers/partners on-site
  • Coordination of training and know-how transfers
  • Establishment of strategic alliances and tolling business structures
  • Contract drafting and negotiation
  • Successful onboarding of two PV module manufacturers and one PV laminate manufacturer in China, as well as several cell suppliers in China and Taiwan
  • Initiation of a technology transfer with a Taiwanese cell supplier to ensure supply at preferential prices
  • Conclusion of an individual supply contract worth EUR 60 million with an ROI of > 10%
  • Highly dynamic market environment with high pressure for change
  • Consideration of cultural differences when drafting and implementing contractual agreements
  • Integration of outsourced products into the existing product range with regard to production-related deviations

Mr. Wiegand’s working style was always characterized by a high degree of systematic thinking, cost-consciousness, and efficiency. We would like to highlight that he was exceptionally successful in a wide variety of projects and responsibilities.

Gernot Orben
Head of Human Resources Germany, Schott AG

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