Umicore invests in solar cell, lithium-ion capacity

BRUSSELS, June 27 (Reuters) - Belgium's Umicore (UMI.BR) said on Friday it would invest 45 million euros in production capacity for germanium semiconductor substrates used in solar cells and lithium-ion battery materials.

"Both investments will strengthen Umicore's offering of materials for usage in fast-growing clean technology applications," the group said in a statement.

The new production capacity for germanium wafers is to be set up in Oklahoma, United States.

Construction will start in July and is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2010, the group said.

Umicore will also expand its production capacity for materials used in lithium-ion rechargeable batteries at its facilities in South Korea and China. (Editing by Louise Ireland)