News

5 December 2006

 

BOC Edwards makes moves to increase presence in compound semiconductor market

Supplier of vacuum, abatement, and chemical management equipment, BOC Edwards has opened a new European semiconductor headquarters in Grenoble, France. The new 900m2 office was officially opened during a ceremony on 20 September 2006. It is located in the Bernin Industrial Zone adjacent to the Crolles fabs.

BOC Edwards said it was necessary to relocate its European semiconductor team from Crawley, UK, to Grenoble to be closer to key European semiconductor manufacturers. It has already relocated 50 employees from its sales, business management and applications engineering functions to the new location, and intends to hire staff in the area to fill technical positions in project management, engineering, and service and support.

“BOC Edwards has more than doubled in size over the past decade to well above US$1Billion,” said Olivier Blachier, general manager, Europe semiconductor business, BOC Edwards. “This success has been due to organic growth and a series of strategic mergers and acquisitions, mainly focused on on-tool vacuum, gas and liquid extraction, and treatment technologies,” said Blachier.

Blachier added: “We intend to increase our presence in key markets such as the photovoltaic industry, compound semiconductor devices and outsourcing services.”

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