GT Solar Technologies Installs Turnkey Solar Wafer Line At LDK Solar; LDK Solar, China, Begins Production of One of World's Largest Solar Manufacturing Lines

MERRIMACK, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 4, 2006--GT Solar Technologies, a division of GT Equipment Technologies, has completed the first phase of a turnkey solar manufacturing line for LDK Solar in China, which has just started production of solar wafers in what will eventually be a one gigawatt manufacturing line.

GT Solar Technologies was instrumental in the design and layout of the LDK factory in Jiangxi Province, China, as well as the manufacture and installation of the equipment that LDK is using in its Phase One, 75 megawatt manufacturing line. LDK will ramp up that line to 200 megawatts by the end of 2006 and to 400 megawatts by the end of 2007. LDK's ultimate plan calls for growth to a one gigawatt manufacturing line, which would make it one of the world's largest manufacturers of solar wafers.

“Our relationship with GT Solar Technologies is a good example of how two companies in different parts of the world can work together effectively to create a quality solar manufacturing line and factory in a relatively short period of time.”

GT's Project Manager for the LDK facility, Charles Hagopian, said: "GT was involved from the very beginning with LDK Solar in the design of its factory, the installation of GT's equipment, and the training of LDK's employees. We are excited to see this factory begin to produce solar wafers, and we look forward to continue working with LDK in its planned expansion of the manufacturing line over the next several years."

LDK President, Mr. Light DK Peng, said: "Our relationship with GT Solar Technologies is a good example of how two companies in different parts of the world can work together effectively to create a quality solar manufacturing line and factory in a relatively short period of time."

LDK Solar Hi-Tech Co., Ltd. located in Xinyu City, Jiangxi Province, China, focuses on the research and manufacture of silicon solar wafers and aims to become a world-class specialized and leading supplier of multi-crystalline solar wafers of high quality. For more information, go to www.ldksolar.com.

GT Solar Technologies is a division of GT Equipment Technologies - a privately-held company and an industry leader in the design and manufacture of semi-custom and specialty equipment for the solar and materials processing industries, particularly for photovoltaic and semi-conductor applications. For more information, go to www.gtsolar.com.