Press release

February 13, 2023

Endurans Solar secures growth equity investment from Riverbend

Endurans Solar, a leading manufacturer of advanced materials for solar photovoltaic modules, announced a significant equity investment led by Riverbend Energy Group. The investment will enable Endurans Solar to expand its domestic manufacturing footprint and meet the growing global demand for its unique portfolio of patented solar backsheets.

Endurans secures growth with investment Riverbend

For more information contact:

Endurans Solar
Nathan Arbitman
President & CEO
Riverbend Group
Eric Danziger
Managing Director, Energy Transition
Endurans Solar
Annet Hoek
Global Communications & Branding Lead
Tel:+31850819402

Backsheets are a critical component of solar modules, providing electrical insulation and protecting the solar cells from harsh climatic conditions – thus increasing both the lifetime and performance of the modules. The Endurans HP backsheet is a fully recyclable product that delivers superior protective properties thanks to a unique, lamination-free co-extrusion process and proprietary material stack. The Endurans CB is a conductive backsheet, specially designed to maximize the efficiency of back-contact solar modules – with added aesthetics and design flexibility. Endurans Solar manufactures its products in the U.S., Europe and China.

To meet rising global demand for these products, Endurans Solar announced in September 2022 a planned increase in domestic manufacturing capacity. The investment from Riverbend will support this expansion, with a new US-based production facility set to be announced later this year, as well as other strategic initiatives including further technology and new product development and commercialization.

Endurans Solar was created in 2021 when Worthen Industries (“Worthen”), a U.S. manufacturer of specialty adhesives, coatings, coated products, and thermoplastic extrusions, acquired the backsheet business of DSM Advanced Solar, a business unit of Dutch multinational Royal DSM. Worthen has made substantial investments in the business, and following the new investment by Riverbend, Worthen Industries will continue to contribute to Endurans’ growth going forward. Worthen will maintain a significant equity position in Endurans Solar and David Worthen, CEO of Worthen, will remain on the company’s Board of Directors.

“This marks a major milestone in support of our mission to enable clean solar energy through sustainable, high-performance backsheet technologies,” said Nathan Arbitman, President & CEO of Endurans Solar. “We are excited to welcome aboard Riverbend’s Energy Transition team. These experienced investors have an outstanding track record in growing and scaling companies within the broader energy transition markets.”

Eric Danziger, Managing Director at Riverbend, said, “Endurans Solar’s leading-edge technologies have proven their technical performance and market acceptance in recent years. Riverbend is excited about the growth potential in domestic solar manufacturing and believe that the Endurans Solar team and technology, coupled with the Worthen partnership, is well positioned to meet the global demand for solar energy. We are delighted to make this investment to support the continued growth of Endurans Solar, which has established itself as a leader in this space.”

“Endurans Solar has demonstrated great progress since Worthen Industries acquired the business,” said David Worthen. “The investment from Riverbend will enable Endurans to continue accelerating its growth, and we look forward to working with the team at Riverbend to make this a successful business for years to come.”

 

 

 

Endurans Solar

Endurans Solar uses its expertise in polymer materials and technology to enable clean, affordable energy for all. Endurans Solar applies its long-standing track record in polymer science, co-extrusion and solar technology know-how to develop and commercialize innovative material solutions for solar panel manufacturers. The fully recyclable HPO – high-performance polyolefin – backsheets (Endurans HP) feature the strongest core layer in the industry whereas the conductive backsheets (Endurans CB) enable high-efficiency and aesthetically pleasing solar modules based on back-contact technology. More information: www.endurans.com.

Riverbend Energy Group

Riverbend Energy Group, based in Houston, Texas, is a multi-faceted investment firm, utilizing risk-weighted deal evaluation processes to deploy capital into a variety of investment theses in the U.S. energy sector. As a trusted name in the energy investment space, Riverbend’s portfolios have included, and continue to include, operated, non-operated, and mineral and royalty assets in traditional energy, as well as investments in the energy transition sector. Since 2003, Riverbend has successfully acquired, developed, and managed over $5 billion of total enterprise value across ten asset portfolios. More information: www.riverbendenergygroup.com.

Worthen Industries

Worthen Industries is a global company serving industries from footwear to renewable energy, with a passion for sustainability. Worthen believes that the future is worth doing right. Through a combination of dedicated R&D, over 150 years of experience and a steadfast “customer-first” approach, Worthen creates a sustainable environment of innovation that can optimize the customer solution. Worthen Industries began in 1866 as Union Paste Company (UPACO). Today Worthen encompasses 13 Business Units and 7 manufacturing locations.  Family owned, Worthen strives to make every aspect of employee life safe, healthy, and rewarding. More information: www.worthenind.com.

For more information contact:

Endurans Solar
Nathan Arbitman
President & CEO
Riverbend Group
Eric Danziger
Managing Director, Energy Transition
Endurans Solar
Annet Hoek
Global Communications & Branding Lead
Tel:+31850819402

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