Japanese companies launch new excimer laser joint venture

17 Jun 2002

Construction and engineering company Komatsu, of Japan, has teamed up with compatriot Ushio to launch Gigaphoton - a company devoted to the development, manufacture and marketing of excimer lasers for lithography applications.

Due to begin operating on August 1, the new company will incorporate a research center in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa and production facilities in Oyama, Tochigi, with the sales headquarters in Tokyo. With an estimated market capitalization of JAY 2 billion, Gigaphoton will have a workforce of approximately 180. Projected sales of JAY 6 billion in 2001 are expected to rise to JAY 12.7 billion the following year.

Komatsu already claims to have more than a 15% share of the global excimer laser market, and it is hoped that Ushio's involvement in Gigaphoton will accelerate its development and sales operation.

MH