Asyst wins automation contract at world’s biggest fab
Asyst Technologies, Inc. has announced that Asyst's automated material handling system (AMHS) has been selected for Toshiba's newest Fab 4 in Yokkaichi, Japan. The Toshiba system is expected to include significant segments of Asyst's next-generation conveyor technology for high-capacity material transport.
Installation of the system is expected to begin in the spring of 2007. When Fab 4 reaches its expected full production of NAND flash memory, it will be Asyst's largest semiconductor AMHS project ever. The company's largest semiconductor project to date is Toshiba's Fab 3, which currently is expanding to full capacity.
Steve Schwartz, chair and CEO of Asyst, said, "Toshiba is one of the world's largest and most technically advanced electronics manufacturers and has been a key customer for many years. We are delighted that our AMHS system was selected by Toshiba because of our experience in Fab 3 and our commitment to reduce cost and increase efficiency in both Fabs 3 and 4. Because of this, they have entrusted us with total responsibility for wafer transport, storage, and tool loading in their newest and largest factory. Coupled with our high penetration of IsoPort(tm) loadports and AdvanTag(tm) RFID systems at Toshiba, this AMHS win validates Asyst's market position in 300mm fab automation and in the rapidly growing 300mm market in Japan."
