Crossing Automation,
Inc., a leading supplier of efficient, cost-effective front-end and back-end
automation solutions and engineering services to high volume semiconductor equipment
manufacturers, today announced that Hakuto Corporation is the company's exclusive
distribution channel in Japan as of April 1, 2010. Moving forward, Hakuto will
offer sales, service and support for Crossing Automation's vacuum and atmospheric
wafer automation products.
"Following the acquisition of Asyst's atmospheric wafer handling assets
last year, we have been deeply focused on supporting existing customers and
strategically growing our business worldwide," said Robert MacKnight, president
and CEO of Crossing Automation. "We have selected Hakuto to work hand in
hand with our direct staff in Japan to ensure that we can deliver the highest
levels of customer support as we work to build our customer base in this key
market."
Hakuto will immediately accept orders and support Crossing's complete product
portfolio. Crossing Automation's Japan staff will work very closely with Hakuto
to provide a smooth transition as well as first line sales and support.
"Crossing is a unique company that offers comprehensive end-to-end wafer
handling solutions for semiconductor manufacturing while maintaining a concerted
focus on customer satisfaction. Crossing is also well positioned with its product
line to provide solutions in new markets such as life sciences, green technology,
and nanotechnology where Hakuto is currently engaged," said Mr. Noriaki
Tomioka, senior vice president of the Electronics Equipment Division at Hakuto.
"Hakuto is also highly committed to its customers, making us an ideal partner
to represent Crossing. We will work with them to meet the needs of new and existing
customers and are already actively engaged in bringing Crossing's products to
the Japanese market."
Crossing's atmospheric capability includes Load Ports, EFEMs, Sorters, Lot
Tracking (RFID and SmartTag) and SMIF products that Crossing offers as a result
of the acquisition of Asyst Technologies in 2009. The company has combined these
products with Crossing's ExpressConnect™ vacuum products to create a complementary
set of products and solutions for multiple automation markets.