Applied Materials,
Inc., the global leader in Nanomanufacturing Technology solutions, and Dainippon
Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd. (Screen) today announced that they have signed an agreement
to revise the ownership structure of their joint venture company, Sokudo Co.,
Ltd. Under the agreement, Screen will own 81% of the coat/develop track system
company and operate it as a subsidiary, and Applied Materials will retain a
19% interest, down from its original 48% interest. This new structure will more
accurately reflect the ongoing contributions from both shareholders.
In response to the significantly weakened market for semiconductor equipment,
Sokudo’s global sales and service operations will be streamlined to be
more efficient in this business environment. Applied Materials will continue
to support Sokudo with key management, customer support, and product development
as part of its commitment to both Screen and the companies’ shared customer
base. Applied is also working closely with Sokudo and Screen at its Maydan Technology
Center and expects this alliance to provide further opportunities for future
collaboration.
Since the formation of the joint venture three years ago, Sokudo has built
a solid position in the coat/develop track market based on its introduction
of several significant products, beginning with the Sokudo RF3S system. Most
recently, using the combined strengths of Screen and Applied Materials, Sokudo
introduced the breakthrough SOKUDO DUO system, which provides customers with
the world’s first dual-track system for high productivity processing.