Amtech to Introduce New Technology-Solar PSG Removal Equipment at Intersolar North America, July 14-16, 2009
Solar PSG Etch will be Third Product in Amtech's Solar Portfolio (Diffusion + PSG Etch + PECVD)
TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Amtech Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASYS), a global supplier of production and automation systems and related supplies for the manufacture of solar cells, today announced that its solar subsidiary, Tempress Systems, plans to introduce its new PSG removal technology at the Intersolar North America 2009 solar industry trade show (booth #8023), taking place July 14-16 in San Francisco, California. This newest solar product represents the third product in Amtech's solar portfolio and, combined with its PECVD tool launched a year ago, will significantly increase the company's total available market size.
This process step in the manufacturing of solar cells removes phosphosilicate glass (PSG) that naturally occurs during the diffusion process. A vast majority, if not all of existing PSG removal equipment utilizes conventional wet chemistry technology. Amtech's new technology utilizes a dry chemical process that does not require large quantities of hazardous wet chemicals that impose large disposal burdens, resulting in potential lower cost of ownership.
J.S. Whang, President and Chief Executive Officer of Amtech, commented, "The introduction of our third solar production tool is an important milestone for the company, coming approximately one year after the introduction of our PECVD equipment. In addition to the significant benefits of dry chemical technology, this PSG solar product has the potential to contribute to higher cell efficiency, aiding the overall solar market goal of reaching grid parity. As we introduce our PSG removal equipment into the market, we continue to focus on our strategy of further expanding our offerings with the introduction of additional solar products in the future. With a healthy balance sheet and expanded product line, we are determined to emerge from the current recession as a stronger player in solar market."
About Amtech
Amtech Systems, Inc. manufactures capital equipment, including silicon wafer handling automation, thermal processing equipment and related consumables used in fabricating solar cells and semiconductor devices. Semiconductors, or semiconductor chips, are fabricated on silicon wafer substrates, sliced from ingots, and are part of the circuitry, or electronic components, of many products including solar cells, computers, telecommunications devices, automotive products, consumer goods, and industrial automation and control systems. The Company's wafer handling, thermal processing and consumable products currently address the diffusion, oxidation and deposition steps used in the fabrication of solar cells, semiconductors, MEMS and the polishing of newly sliced silicon wafers.
Statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Litigation Reform Act. Such statements may use words such as "proposed," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "predict," "project" and similar expressions as they relate to Amtech Systems, Inc. or our management. When we make forward-looking statements, we are basing them on our management's beliefs and assumptions, using information currently available to us. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward looking statements are reasonable, these forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions including the risks discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If one or more of these risks materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary materially from what we projected. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. We have no intention, and disclaim any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future results or otherwise.
Source: Amtech Systems, Inc.
Released June 23, 2009