As one of the world's leading vacuum system manufacturers, Leybold Optics GmbH is developing and manufacturing surface coating systems and custom tailored equipment. The firm's engineers develop innovative thin film solutions for photovoltaics and a variety of applications. Its renowned R&D department maintains the firm's consistent technical advantage over its competitors, and constantly sets new benchmarks in the sector.

Two divisions for ongoing success

Leybold Optics products are now divided into two divisions: Optics and Solar. The Solar Division is a pioneer in the development of thin film photovoltaic coating systems, which are used in the mass production of photovoltaic modules. The product portfolio offered by the division includes vacuum systems for the photovoltaic industry alongside products for the coating of architectural glass, displays and other large surfaces.  The focus is on the firm’s core competencies of sputtering, evaporation, PECVD and thermal processes. In all of these areas, specialists at Leybold Optics develop targeted process solutions which facilitate the efficient production of thin film photovoltaic modules.

Innovation founded on 150 years of history

The foundation for the firm’s present-day success was laid by inventors Ernst Leybold and Wilhelm Carl Heraeus 150 years ago. Then working independently, the two men were soon attracted to the possibilities offered by vacuum technology. In 1967 the companies merged to form the predecessor of Leybold Optics GmbH. Since 2001 the firm belongs to the private equity fund EQT, which was founded by the swedish Wallenberg family. Based in the Lower Franconian town of Alzenau, Leybold Optics is now one of the top three players in its sector. Its workforce of around 400 employees achieves an annual turnover of well over 100 million Euros.