KACO new energy restructures its business and concentrates on large scale applications outside of Europe

07/18/2016 | Print view

KACO new energy will concentrate on solutions for commercial PV systems and large-scale PV power plants outside of Europe, one of its products for this market is the central inverter Blue Planet 2200 TL3 series. - © KACO new energy — © KACO new energy

KACO new energy will concentrate on solutions for commercial PV systems and large-scale PV power plants outside of Europe, one of its products for this market is the central inverter Blue Planet 2200 TL3 series.

KACO new energy GmbH resolves to restructure the Neckarsulm site in Germany. Against a background of significant global growth, which is largely playing out outside Europe, the inverter manufacturer is paying increased attention to this shift in the PV markets and refining its focus. 80 positions in its headquarters in Neckarsulm will be cut.

In 2015, KACO new energy group recorded strong growth outside Europe. In order to respond to this development, the management has resolved on extensive restructuring at its German headquarters in Neckarsulm, the company announced. “The company’s aim is to concentrate on solutions for commercial PV systems and large-scale PV power plants by adapting and tailoring its product and service portfolio precisely to the needs of customers in the respective target market”, Managing Director Ralf Hofmann said. These measures would be intended to cement the pathway to international growth that has already been laid, thereby securing long-term global success for the group.

New regional focus requires structural changes

“The future of the PV markets lies in America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. These regions recognize the potential of photovoltaics as a key technology for electricity generation; policy-makers there appreciate the significant role that solar energy plays in securing the competitive ability of national economies”, Hofmann underlines. This new regional focus would require globally active PV manufacturers such as KACO new energy to make certain structural changes which will, in turn, impact on employment policy.

80 positions in company headquarters cut

“We are pursuing growth through refining our focus. The aims are clear: to achieve profitable growth and to considerably simplify structures,” Hofmann says. For the company headquarters in Neckarsulm, this will mean cutting 80 positions through a socially balanced procedure in consultation with employee representatives. Part of the restructuring will see certain remits being transferred to subsidiaries in the USA and South Korea.

Key central functions will remain in Neckarsulm

Neckarsulm will remain the most important production site within the KACO new energy group and the only production site in Europe, ensuring that the company can continue to supply its customers quickly with solutions “Made in Germany” in the future, Hofmann stresses. All the key central functions for the global group of companies will remain in Neckarsulm. (HCN)