SPTS, Sumitomo Precision open new subsidiary

SPTS Technologies www.spts.com, a leading manufacturer of etch, deposition and thermal-processing equipment for the semiconductor and related industries, today announced the launch of a new joint venture with its former parent company, Sumitomo Precision Products Co. Ltd. (SPP) www.spp.co.jp to jointly serve the Japanese market.

Among the equipment to be sold by the SPTS/Sumitomo joint-venture company is SPTS’s Omega  DRIE process modules.

SPTS designs, develops and manufactures capital equipment used to produce electronic and microdevices for a number of high-growth end markets, including MEMS, power management, advanced packaging, high-speed RF components and high-brightness LEDs. With over 500 employees in 19 countries, SPTS supplies the world’s leading microdevice manufacturers from its main manufacturing facilities in the U.K., Wales and San Jose, Calif.

SPP historically had supplied certain SPTS systems in Japan through its Micro Technology Division, with local manufacturing under license from SPTS and custom development and support tailored to the Japanese market.  In addition, SPTS sold spare parts and other systems in Japan through its wholly owned subsidiary, SPTS K.K., with the cooperation and support of SPP.

As planned from the time of the acquisition of SPTS from SPP in June 2011, a new subsidiary of SPP, SPP Technologies Co. Ltd. (SPT) has been launched with co-investment from SPTS, to combine the SPP Micro Technology business and SPTS K.K. to provide comprehensive solutions to meet the requirements of Japanese customers through the wide range of SPTS products.

“We are very pleased to announce the final step in our MBO process, with the formation of a new relationship with SPP to better serve Japanese customers,” said Dr. William Johnson, president and CEO of SPTS. “SPP has been a leader in MEMS manufacturing equipment for 30 years, and SPTS looks forward to expanding our relationship with SPP as our markets evolve and grow in the future.”

SPP President Susumu Kaminaga added: “From 1992 when SPP began distributing Surface Technology Systems (STS) products in Japan and subsequently acquired STS in 1995, SPP has been dedicated to providing Japanese customers with products suited to their unique requirements. The formation of the joint venture ensures the continuation and broadening of that focus by increased cooperation with SPTS.”