Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), the world's largest producer of crystalline silicon solar panels, today opened a representative office in Montbonnot (Isere), France, to better serve its local partners throughout the region's growing solar industry. Since Suntech established its presence in France in 2008, the French solar market has become one of Suntech's top three markets in Europe.
"We are going the distance to meet the needs of our local partners, including distributors and installers, by providing them with responsive and top-quality service," said Jean-Yves Lindheimer, recently appointed head of Suntech France, after welcoming key industry partners and public representatives to the new office. "The Grenoble area provides an ideal environment for our office in France, as this community shares Suntech's commitment to driving technology innovation and sustainable development."
The event was also attended by Frank Weber, Marketing Director for Suntech Europe, who stressed the strategic importance of this new development: "The French solar market is booming; and, in our view, sustainable, long-term growth will require steady commitment and support from major industry players," he said. "Above and beyond our high-value solar products, we will continue to provide our partners with reliable services and support - giving them the tools and confidence to drive market growth."
The new office features a solar product training center for distributors and installers to learn more about the advantages of Suntech's industry- leading product offerings. In addition, Suntech professionals will provide hands-on installation training, particularly for Suntech's popular Just Roof(TM) offering that elegantly replaces traditional roofing materials with long-lasting, high-performing solar panels. The office will be home to a technical customer support team with decades of local industry experience, and is expected to grow in tandem with local market demand.
"As Europe is Suntech's largest sales region globally, we must not forget that our local partners here are the chief ambassadors for Suntech products and the entire solar industry," said Frank Weber. "We are focused on providing all of our partners every asset they need as we grow together in France, Europe, and around the world."