Semiconductor heavyweights Tokyo Electron team with Oerlikon Solar in Asia

Tokyo Electron(TEL), a leading global supplier of semiconductor production equipment has entered into a strategic alliance to exclusively sell and service Oerlikon Solar's thin-film PV equipment and end-to-end production solutions in Asia, Oceania and Japan.

Oerlikon will draw upon TEL's significant sales and service network in Asia for FPD and semiconductor equipment. The deal will enable TEL to leverage existing staff, infrastructure and expertise that are being under utilised due to the projected 33% decline in the semiconductor market place this year.

It is estimated that almost 40% of current solar equipment suppliers started by servicing the semiconductor marketplace. Recent declines in the semiconductor marketplace, the likes of which have not been seen since 2001, are tempting more and more suppliers of capital equipment to enter the solar market. In recent years other major semiconductor equipment players have entered the market including, Applied Materials, KLA Tencor and of course Oerlikon itself.

TEL's history in the Solar market.

In February 2008 TEL announced a new tool under development with Sharp in Japan.

In November 2008 TEL and Nanogram signed an agreement to jointly develop a laser reactive deposition (LRD) process for thin crystalline silicon films.

Also in November TEL began work with Edwards on a PFC abatement system for dielectric film etching.

In December 2008 TEL invested with Unidym to develop carbon nanotube technologies for thin-film manufacturing.

What they said:

"By forming an alliance with Oerlikon Solar, TEL will be able to satisfy its customers with outstanding equipment and related support, while drawing upon the technology and supporting capabilities it has acquired in the semiconductor and FPD production equipment markets.”
Terry Higashi, Chairman and CEO, TEL.

“This strategic alliance between TEL and Oerlikon Solar creates a new solar powerhouse which will unlock the huge potential of the Asian solar market.”
Dr. Uwe Krüger, CEO of Oerlikon.

“Our strategic partnership with TEL is designed to leverage complementary strengths to create the quality and scale of thin film silicon PV needed to satisfy the growing demand for clean and economically viable energy sources. This partnership will benefit our customers enormously in Asian emerging growth markets with predictable end-to-end manufacturing facilities for thin film solar panels and local sales and customer support through TEL’s global network”
Jeannine Sargent, CEO Oerlikon Solar.