Applied Materials to discontinue SunFab line, focus on crystalline silicon

On July 21, Applied Materials (Santa Clara, California, US) announced that it will restructure its Energy Environmental Solutions Department (EES) to put a larger emphasis on crystalline silicon technology, and will discontinue production of its SunFab lines, which manufacture thin-film solar cells. Applied Materials says the restructuring will cost USD$375 to USD$425 million, but that it expects the move to decrease annual costs by USD$100 million and restore profitability to the department in 2011.