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Multiple Order for SEZ Spin-Processor 4200 Received from Major Taiwanese Foundry
The SEZ Group (SWX: SEZN) announced that it has received a multiple system order for its Spin-Processor 4200, SEZ's high-throughput four-chamber tool. The order, valued at US $5.5 million (CHF 10 million), was received from a major Taiwanese foundry that selected the single-wafer Spin-Processor 4200 for polymer removal. Delivery is expected during the first half of 2001.
"This customer has recognized that the 4200 is truly competitive with batch processes in terms of throughput, offering significant production and performance advantages, including better process control," explained Herwig Petschnig, chief operating officer for the SEZ Group. "The 4200 offers better etch uniformity and selectivity for a wide variety of wafer process applications, including the critical step of polymer removal. Another major advantage offered by the tool is that wafers are subjected to the chemistries for short periods of time eliminating damage to the device and improving yields."
This order reaffirms the foundry's satisfaction with spin-process technology. As a customer since 1998, the foundry has taken delivery of a variety of SEZ Spin-Processing tools for backside film removal, for both 200 mm and recently 300 mm production. The Spin-Processor 4200, SEZ's four-chamber frontside device tool, offers a cost-effective throughput/footprint and investment/throughput ratio for a variety of process applications including polymer removal, diluted HF etching, highly selective oxide removal and non-selective oxide nitride removal.
Receipt of this order does not affect SEZ's sales forecast of CHF 260 million (USD 155 million) for 2001. As of October 31, 2000, the company reported a record order backlog of CHF 125 million (USD 70 million) versus just CHF 63 million (USD 40 million) at the same time last year. Sales for the same period of time jumped to CHF 151 million (USD 90 million) an increase of 215 percent over reported sales from the previous year of CHF 48 million (USD 32 million).
Order intake for 2000 continues to be strong, totalling CHF 224 million (USD 133 million) through October 31, 2000, as compared to the same period in 1999 when order intake stood at CHF 112 million (USD 75 million). From January to October 2000, the company has maintained a book to bill ratio of 1.49.
About SEZ
The SEZ Group is a leading supplier of spin-processing equipment to the global semiconductor manufacturing industry. The company's breakthrough proprietary Spin-Processor technology forms the basis of a broad portfolio of backside and frontside wafer surface conditioning products for semiconductor chipmakers worldwide. SEZ maintains development, manufacturing, sales, marketing and service operations in Europe, Asia and North America. Registered in Zurich, Switzerland, SEZ Holding AG is listed on the Swiss Exchange under the symbol (SWX: SEZN).
Villach/Zurich, November 27, 2000
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