CAMSTAR Systems Inc foresees rapid growth in China's solar-cell manufacturing industry, the US-based industrial software provider said yesterday in Shanghai.

"It is sure that China has great opportunity, as the world manufacturing hub is gradually moving to Asia and China," said Scott Toney, president and chief executive of Camstar, during a Shanghai visit yesterday.

Fifty-five percent of Camstar's future revenue is expected to come from China's solar, semiconductor, electronics, automotive, medical and bio-tech manufacturing sectors, according to Toney. He declined to reveal detailed revenue figures, saying Camstar is a private company.

Camstar, whose clients include AMD, Sony Ericsson and Sandisk, announced a new deal yesterday with Hitachi, which will use Camstar's software suite in a Suzhou-based plant.

Camstar provides clients with a package that helps manufacturers adapt quickly to changes in demand and configurations, accelerate time to market and ensure product quality.

In China, Camstar is promoting the suite to the solar cell industry and will provide bio-tech and medical software in the future.

Camstar is close to signing deals with three of China's top 10 solar cell manufacturing firms, Toney said, declining to reveal client names.

Global revenue in the solar cell industry has grown 67 percent this year, and China ranks No. 3 in the sector behind Japan and Europe. China is expected to surpass Japan to take the No. 2 position in the near future.

China's solar industry is supported by the government as it provides sustainable, non-polluting energy.