During Intersolar Europe 2014 in Munich, the International Photovoltaic Equipment Association (IPVEA) elected new members to their board, including Multi-Contacts Eric Ast as their new president.

Eric Ast, Global Business Development Manager Photovoltaics at Multi-Contact, replaces Sven E. Jarby from Oerlikon in the position of president of the IPVEA. The election took place at the associations AGM during this years Intersolar Europe in Munich. Eric Ast expressed his special thanks to past board members for their leadership as well as their endurance during difficult times in the recent past. He sees their vision as "the foundation for more growth and new opportunities for the IPVEA members".

The IPVEA (International Photovoltaic Equipment Association) was established in May 2008 as an independent, non-profit organization. Their aim is "to promote a path of cooperation and mutual support in achieving proactive solutions between all sectors within the Upstream Photovoltaic (PV) Power Generation and Battery Storage Technology value chain".

Members of the IPVEA include machine and equipment manufacturers, producers of raw materials for the production of PV ingots, wafers and cells as well as module and component manufacturers.