Feb 17, (BUSINESS WIRE) -- GT Solar International, Inc., a global provider of specialized production equipment, process technology and turnkey manufacturing services for the solar power industry, and Jiangxi Sornid Hi-Tech Co., Ltd. today jointly announced that they signed a new contract totaling more than $20 million for GT Solar's market-leading GT-DSS450(TM) ingot growth furnaces and ancillary equipment and services. The order was booked in GT Solar's current fourth fiscal quarter and revenue is expected to be recognized in subsequent periods.

"We are committed to becoming a leading supplier of high quality multi-crystalline silicon wafers to the solar industry," said Mr. Lou Hong, chairman, Jiangxi Sornid Hi-Tech Co., Ltd. "GT Solar is a valued partner and their ingot growth furnaces produce high quality ingots that meet our customers' expectations."

"We are seeing an increase in bookings for our GT-DSS450 furnaces in China as customers begin to add new production capacity to position themselves for the next phase of growth in the worldwide solar industry," said Tom Gutierrez, GT Solar's president and chief executive officer. "Over the past year we have significantly expanded our service and support capabilities in China to better serve our growing base of customers in this key strategic market. We are pleased to have this repeat order from Sornid."

With over 1,300 systems in the field, GT Solar's DSS ingot growth furnaces are widely used in the solar industry and are known for their reliability and for consistently producing high quality crystal.

About Jiangxi Sornid Hi-Tech Co., Ltd

Jiangxi Sornid Hi-Tech Co., Ltd, located in Jiujiang Industrial Development Zone, is one of the largest PV manufacturers in China's Jiangxi province. Sornid provides multi-crystalline wafers to many of China's leading silicon cell and module manufacturers. For more information about Sornid, visit their web site at www.sornid.com.

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.