Mr. Viefhues: Mattson Technology, Inc., is a leading supplier of semiconductor wafer processing equipment used in the front-end-of-line fabrication of integrated circuits. We provide our customers with equipment based on innovative technologies that deliver advanced processing capabilities. We are among the market leaders in worldwide sales of dry strip equipment and rapid thermal processing (RTP) equipment. We have systems installed in major chip manufacturing facilities around the world. Our tools, technologies and expertise are critical enablers in the semiconductor industry's transition to larger, 300mm wafers; sub-130 nanometer design rules and new materials such as copper and low-k dielectrics. We plan to leverage our technology and development capabilities to expand our product offerings and enhance our ability to deliver results on the wafer to our customers.
TWST: What has been the effect on Mattson Technology of the
semiconductor cycle over the past two years? What changes did your
organization undergo? What has been different or unique about this cycle
versus your experience generally?
Mr. Viefhues: This has been the longest and deepest downturn in our
industry. Recently, we have experienced a much more positive market
environment. We have indications that demand for wafer processing
equipment is improving and industry fundamentals also appear to be
strengthening. But sustainability of these recent market improvements is
still uncertain and sustainability, of course, depends on the entire
global economy. During the most recent cycle, we implemented a forward-
looking business model that we call 'cyclically flexible enterprise' to
respond and adapt more quickly to the cyclical nature of the
semiconductor industry. We are confident that under this business model,
regardless of the external environment for our industry, the company
will continue to strengthen its ability to add value to our stakeholders
and expand the growth of our products.
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