In 2011, the photovoltaic industry faced a major downturn as technological advancements led to a drastic drop in solar cell prices. Many small photovoltaic companies were forced to consolidate, but Heraeus Materials Singapore Pte Ltd endured the crisis and emerged stronger.
The Heraeus Group, a global technology leader headquartered in Hanau, Germany, traces its origins back to a family-owned pharmacy in 1660. Established as a portfolio company in 1851, Heraeus operates in diverse sectors, including environment, energy, electronics, health, mobility, and industrial applications. By 2018, it had grown into one of Germany’s top ten family-owned enterprises, generating revenues of €20.3 billion and employing 15,000 people across 40 countries.
Heraeus in Singapore
Heraeus has maintained a strong presence in Singapore for over 30 years. The company operates under two legal entities: Heraeus Asia Pacific Holding, which serves as the regional headquarters, and Heraeus Materials Singapore Pte Ltd, which houses four Global Business Units across five locations. These include Heraeus Photovoltaics in Tuas, which produces silver paste for solar cells; Heraeus Electronics – Assembly Materials and Heraeus Electronics – Bonding Wire in Pioneer Crescent and Ang Mo Kio, which manufacture soldering products and bonding wires; Heraeus Medical Components in Serangoon North, specializing in medical devices; and Heraeus Precious Metals in Loyang, focusing on precious metals recycling and emissions control devices.
A Champion in the Industry
Heraeus Materials Singapore Pte Ltd attributes its success to a clear vision, strong mission, and strategic anticipation of market trends. Research and development play a crucial role in driving innovation, while a dedicated, passionate, and performance-driven workforce executes these strategies.
Employees are at the heart of the company’s operations. The company fosters a culture where employees feel valued, connected, and empowered to grow. It follows the Heraeus Leadership Model, encouraging all employees to lead in four key areas: self, people, organization, and business.
Innovations and Employee Engagement
The company continuously evolves to maintain its industry leadership. Key innovations include adopting larger wafer sizes, optimizing printing processes, and viewing competition as an opportunity for growth. The company also emphasizes employee well-being through unique engagement initiatives. Employees take part in Friday morning exercise sessions to promote workplace health. Quarterly Town Hall meetings keep employees informed about company developments. Weekly Gemba Walks identify potential hazards and eliminate waste on the factory floor. The company implements the 5S methodology, which focuses on sorting, setting in order, shining, standardizing, and sustaining to maintain operational efficiency.
The Heraeus Touch app facilitates internal communication and updates, allowing employees to stay connected. An Employee Engagement Board highlights key events and activities from the past year. The company’s best practices are structured within the Heraeus Production System, a three-phase approach covering Basic, Advanced, and Expert levels. This system focuses on six core areas: continuous improvement, quality, environment, health and safety, productivity, common standards, and leadership development.
Industry Certifications and Crisis Management
Heraeus Materials Singapore Pte Ltd maintains industry-leading certifications, including ISO 45001:2018 for occupational health and safety management, ISO 14001:2015 for environmental management, ISO 9001:2015 for quality management, and bizSAFE Level Star from the Workplace Safety and Health Council, Singapore.
Crisis resilience is another hallmark of Heraeus. In 2018, China’s National Development and Reform Commission cut subsidies for solar projects to prevent market overheating. Many Tier 3 and 4 photovoltaic companies collapsed due to their heavy reliance on government support. Heraeus Materials Singapore Pte Ltd’s strong research and development, teamwork, and lean manufacturing practices allowed it to survive the revenue impact and balance losses with more efficient production processes. The demand for low-cost electricity during the COVID-19 pandemic further reinforced Heraeus Photovoltaics’ market position, leading to exceptional first-quarter results in 2020 and an improved full-year outlook.
Industry Recognition and Commitment to Sustainability
Heraeus Photovoltaics has received multiple industry accolades, including the Gold Award for Solar Cells Materials Supplier Company of the Year in 2019 from Solar Quarter in India, the Leading Practice Award for Workplace Safety and Health in 2019 from the Singapore Human Resources Institute, the Most Influential Auxiliary Material Enterprise Award in the Photovoltaic Cup selection in 2019, the Joint Innovation Award at the 2019 Trina Solar Global Suppliers Conference, the PV Top 50 Innovation Enterprises recognition, the 2019 Top 10 Best PV Materials Suppliers award, and the 2019 LONGi Suppliers Conference Collaborative Innovation and Strategic Partner recognition.
Sustainability is deeply embedded in the company’s operations. The Corporate Responsibility Office oversees ethics, labor practices, environmental impact, health and safety, data protection, and supply chain management. The Sustainability Touch platform provides access to policies and compliance frameworks, including the Heraeus Code of Conduct, the Human Rights Policy, and the Compliance Management System Manual.
The Road Ahead
Heraeus Photovoltaics Singapore stands out as the only full-service site offering operations, commercial services, and research and development under one roof. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the company supports customer product development, technical troubleshooting, and future collaborations.
The key challenge ahead is developing a high-efficiency, low-cost paste to make solar panels more affordable. Heraeus Photovoltaics aims to maintain its competitive edge by investing in new technologies, talent development, and customer-centric innovation.
By fostering a culture of compliance, sustainability, and continuous improvement, Heraeus Materials Singapore Pte Ltd exemplifies Asian business excellence—adapting to change, thriving in adversity, and setting industry benchmarks for the future.
