Vitro and First Solar Expand Contract to Provide High-Tech Glass Front Sheets for Solar Panels Made in North America

• The contract expansion is expected to generate, approximately, additional sales of $1.3 billion dollars on top of the initial 1.2 billion-dollar contract over the next 10 years.
• The company will increase its investment to approximately $180 million in adapting its current facilities.  
• This contract significantly boosts Vitro's presence in the photovoltaic glass segment, which is expected to experience significant growth due to the Nearshoring effect in the United States.
• Start of Production for this incremental volume is set for the first quarter of 2026

Monterrey, N.L., on October 23, 2023 – Vitro S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV:VITROA), a leading glass manufacturer in North America, announced today through its architectural glass business, the expansion of its contract with the largest vertically integrated solar manufacturer in the Americas, First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR), which was announced last April. This expansion aims to provide the glass front sheets used in advanced thin-film photovoltaic (PV) solar panels manufactured by First Solar.

Aligned with the Company's international expansion plans, this operation represents approximately $1.3 billion dollars in sales over the next 10 years, in addition to the sales covered by the initial contract, estimated at a similar amount.

"We are very excited and grateful for the trust placed in us by First Solar, as it aligns with our goal of capitalizing on growth opportunities in the North American Trade Region based on our technological strength and collaboration with our customers. This agreement will allow us to participate in and develop the renewable energy sector in America," said Vitro CEO Adrian Sada.

Considering the requirements of this expansion, Vitro will invest an estimated $180 million to upgrade one of the furnaces at the Meadville plant, located in Pennsylvania, as well in adapting additional existing facilities, to support First Solar's growing manufacturing capacity in the United States.

“As we continue to grow our domestic manufacturing footprint, it is essential that our domestic value chain scales with us,” said Mike Koralewski, chief supply chain officer, First Solar. “We are pleased to expand our contract with Vitro, which gives us access to a new source of American-made glass for the front sheets in our solar panels and supports our efforts to build resilience into our US supply chains.” 

"We take great pride in having earned this vote of confidence from First Solar. We are confident that our experience, technological capabilities, and innovative product development will contribute to their efforts to increase clean and renewable energy capacity in the United States and more broadly in North America," stated Ricardo Maiz, President of Vitro Architectural business unit.

Vitro's plants are strategically located to meet First Solar's needs and already have the required raw materials for production. Production is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2026.

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About Vitro

Vitro, S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: VITROA) is a leading glass manufacturer in North America and one of the world’s major companies in its industry, backed by more than 110 years of experience. Founded in 1909 in Monterrey, Mexico, the Company has subsidiaries around the globe, offering quality products and reliable services to meet the needs of three core businesses: flat glass, automotive glass, and glass containers. Companies of Vitro produce, process, distribute, and market a wide range of glass articles, which are part of the daily life of thousands of people. Vitro offers solutions for multiple markets, including architectural and automotive as well as cosmetic, pharmaceutical and toiletries. The Company is also a supplier of chemical products and raw materials, machinery, and equipment for industrial use. As a socially responsible organization, Vitro works on several initiatives aligned to its Sustainability Model, aiming to create a positive influence in the economic, social, and environmental aspects relevant to its stakeholders, in a responsible corporate management framework. For more information, visit: http://www.vitro.com

About First Solar, Inc.

First Solar is a leading American solar technology company and global provider of responsibly produced eco-efficient solar modules advancing the fight against climate change. Developed at R&D labs in California and Ohio, the company’s advanced thin film photovoltaic (PV) modules represent the next generation of solar technologies, providing a competitive, high-performance, lower-carbon alternative to conventional crystalline silicon PV panels. From raw material sourcing and manufacturing through end-of-life module recycling, First Solar’s approach to technology embodies sustainability and a responsibility towards people and the planet. For more information, please visit www.firstsolar.com.