Meyer Burger halts production in the USA.
Swiss Solar Company Meyer Burger Stops U.S. Production, Threatening German Sites
Meyer Burger, a global leader in the solar industry, has announced the halting of solar module production at its Goodyear, Arizona facility due to financial shortages. Approximately 282 employees will lose their jobs in the US, and the future of the company's German sites — located in Hohenstein-Ernstthal, Saxony, and Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Saxony-Anhalt — is under significant uncertainty.
The solar cell factories in Hohenstein-Ernstthal and Bitterfeld-Wolfen experienced workforce reductions and furloughs in recent years, with around 300 employees affected by short-time work in both locations since April 2025. Previously, the company closed its largest solar module production site in Europe at Freiberg, Saxony, in spring 2024.
The Arizona facility was a crucial market for solar cells produced in Germany, and its closure eliminates a significant buyer, raising questions about the long-term viability of the German plants. The halt of US operations marks a substantial blow to Meyer Burger's strategy of shifting focus to the American market to evade cheap Chinese imports.
The company is currently in negotiations with bondholders regarding debt tied to convertible bonds due in 2027 and 2029. The outcome of these talks will be crucial for Meyer Burger's survival and will heavily influence the fate of its German sites. If the restructuring efforts fail or the financial situation worsens, there is a risk of insolvency, which could potentially threaten the remaining German operations.
Sources: ntv.de, lar/dpa
A potential community policy reform to support struggling industries, such as solar, might be essential for Meyer Burger's survival, particularly in the face of uncertainty for its German sites. Meanwhile, exploring new avenues for vocational training in solar technology could offer a possible solution for those affected by the company's halting of US production and potential insolvency.
