News Article
New subsidiary expands wet processing division at ClassOne
The firm has expanded the division to enhance its sales and support of Semitool equipment worldwide as well as to design and manufacture new upgrades and platforms that address emerging markets such as LED and RF power devices
ClassOne Equipment has made significant investments in the growth and expansion of its Wet Processing Division in response to increased market demand. A Design and Development Centre has been opened in Kalispell, Montana, staffed with several industry veterans who represent over 200 years of cumulative industry experience, who will focus on new product design and development. Corporate and refurbishment activities will remain at ClassOne’s headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. “We are thrilled with the strong customer response to ClassOne’s industry-leading products and support. We have expanded the division to enhance our sales and support of legacy Semitool equipment worldwide as well as to design and manufacture new state-of-the-art upgrades and platforms that address emerging markets such as MEMS, Nanotech, LED and RF Power Devices,” says Byron Exarcos, ClassOne’s President. Hi adds, “Semitool’s acquisition left a void in the market for mature fabs and emerging technologies that use 75 to 200mm substrates. ClassOne is meeting the growing demand for cost effective, reliable, and long-term support for popular tools such as the Spray Solvent, Spray Acid and Equinox tools. The wide-spread adoption of our lift-and-rotate and robot refurbishment programs gives testimony to that fact.” The new facility in Kalispell will be operated under the name of ClassOne Technology as a wholly owned subsidiary of ClassOne Equipment. The executive team includes: Win Carpenter, a 33-year veteran in the semiconductor industry, VP Wet Process Division; Tim McGlenn (26 years experience, including leading the software and electronics development of Semitool’s 101, 102, 202, 302, 402 and 502 controllers), VP of Operations; and Kevin Witt (25 years focused on the development and commercialisation of new wet chemical processing platforms), VP Technology; all of whom previously held leadership positions at Semitool. Their appointment further strengthens the division, positioning it for enhanced growth and continued market leadership. ClassOne Technology’s first product, the Polaris controller, is an advanced, PLC-based, field-retrofittable control system that replaces the aging 302 control system used in many Semitool legacy tools. The Polaris controller will be unveiled at SEMICON West in San Francisco from July 9th through 11th where it will be demonstrated in a fully refurbished Semitool Spray Solvent Tool exhibited at ClassOne’s booth (#441).
