First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR) recently honored its premier suppliers at the company's first Supplier Recognition Day, held on Dec. 8 in Phoenix, Ariz. Approximately 60 of First Solar's top-spend suppliers attended the event, three of which were honored with the company's NOVA award for outstanding performance in 2011.

First Solar created the NOVA award to recognize suppliers who significantly support the company's mission.

"Our suppliers play an essential role in achieving our mission to create enduring value by enabling a world powered by clean, affordable solar electricity," said Doug Duval, Vice President, Global Supply Chain. "We appreciate the exceptional efforts of these NOVA award recipients and value they provide through the highest standards of quality, cost and performance."

The companies honored with the NOVA award include STR Holdings, Inc., a leader in solar panel encapsulation; Grenzebach, a material handling solutions company; and Master Pack, a specialty packing and shipping company.

Collaboration with STR Holdings, Inc., significantly contributed to First Solar's cost-per-watt roadmap, quality performance and supply risk reduction. Grenzebach's flexible partnering approach enabled on-time execution of key technical initiatives, and Master Pack's support significantly contributed to First Solar's cost-per-watt roadmap in Malaysia.