SHANGHAI, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GT Solar International, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOLR), a global provider of specialized production equipment, process technology and turnkey manufacturing services for the solar power industry, today formally opened its new Asia Headquarters in Shanghai, China.

GT Solar’s new facility makes it easier for Asian companies to conduct business with GT Solar by reducing the time it takes to obtain products, spare parts and service. The new facility will also be used to provide product demonstrations and training to customers in the region. The facility represents a significant expansion of GT Solar’s presence in Asia, which was first established in 2006.

“This is an exciting day for GT Solar,” said Tom Zarrella, GT Solar’s president and chief executive officer. “Our company has experienced tremendous growth in Asia over the past several years, developing a leading market position in polysilicon reactors, specialized furnaces, and engineering and integration services for the photovoltaic industry.”

“The opening of our Asia Headquarters underscores our commitment to the region and to further strengthening our relationship with our large customer base in Asia,” said Jeff Ford, general manager of GT Solar’s Asia region. “Our expanded presence will enhance the quality, timeliness and responsiveness of our services and products in Asia, and enable us to help our customers further lower the cost of producing solar energy.”

GT Solar’s four-story Asia Headquarters is strategically located in the Gaodong Industrial Park between the Waigaoqiao Terminal Port and Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone. The facility comprises more than 50,000 square feet including a state-of-the-art customer demonstration and training center, an area dedicated to light manufacturing and assembly, spares warehousing, and office space.

About GT Solar International, Inc.

GT Solar International, Inc., based in Merrimack, NH, USA is a leading global provider of specialized production equipment, process technology and turnkey manufacturing services for the solar power industry. The company’s products and services allow its customers to optimize their manufacturing environments and lower their cost of ownership accelerating the drive towards grid parity. For additional information about GT Solar, please visit www.gtsolar.com.