Amtech Systems, Inc.
(NASDAQ: ASYS), a global supplier of production and automation systems and related
supplies for the manufacture of solar cells, semiconductors, and silicon wafers,
today announced that it has entered into a license agreement with PST Co., LTD.,
based in Youngin-City, Korea, to market PST's proprietary PSG dry etch
system and to develop and manufacture additional models for use with Amtech's
existing solar products.
This process step in the manufacturing of solar cells removes phosphorus silicate
glass (PSG) that naturally occurs during the diffusion process. Amtech will
use its license of this unique PSG technology, which will be manufactured by
PST, to expand its presence in the growing solar market. PST utilizes a propriety
technique during the dry etching process which allows for high throughput and
lower cost of ownership.
This new product is expected to be launched in the first half of calendar year
2009 and Amtech expects to be one of the first companies to introduce a unique
dry etching system that does not use plasma energy.
“This most recent licensing agreement further solidifies our partnership
with PST and demonstrates our commitment to executing our solar growth strategy,”
said J.S. Whang, President and Chief Executive Officer of Amtech. “The
addition of this proprietary PSG etch system marks another important step in
expanding our product offerings as a multi-product supplier to more fully participate
in the growing solar market. We continue to actively seek opportunities to increase
our technology base and available market opportunity, particularly during these
difficult economic times. We have a solid balance sheet that includes a healthy
cash position and will continue to prudently manage cash while focusing on further
executing our growth strategy of expanding our product offerings to increase
our served available markets.”
“We are very enthused to combine our quality product offering with Amtech's
global sales and marketing expertise,” said Jae-An Yu, President of PST.
“Amtech is a leading supplier of solar diffusion systems and we felt that
they were in the best position to successfully penetrate world-wide markets
for our solar product.”
The exclusive, royalty free, 10-year license agreement will enable Amtech to
leverage its solar customer base and extensive sales and marketing presence
throughout the world, with the exception of Korea and one Japanese customer
with respect to which PST retains marketing rights. In consideration for the
exclusive rights, Amtech will make a one-time license fee payment and enter
into a manufacturing agreement with PST.
Posted November 19th, 2008