Toshiba Selects Asyst Automated Material Handling System for Fab Plant in Yokkaichi, Japan

Asyst Technologies, Inc. (Fremont, Calif.), a supplier of automated material handling systems for semiconductor and flat panel display manufacturing, will supply equipment for Toshiba (Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan) and San Disk's (Milpitas, Calif.) new 300 mm Fab 4 plant in Yokkaichi, Japan. Installation of the system is expected to begin in the spring of 2007. When Fab 4 reaches its full production of flash memory, it will be Asyst's largest semiconductor material handling project.
"Toshiba is one of the world's largest and most technically advanced electronics manufacturers and has been a key customer for many years," said Steve Schwartz, chair and CEO of Asyst. "They have entrusted us with total responsibility for wafer transport, storage, and tool loading in their newest and largest factory."
Asyst Technologies, Inc. makes automated equipment that enables semiconductor and flat panel display manufacturers to increase manufacturing productivity and protect investments in materials during manufacturing. The company offers a range of technology that enable the safe transfer of material and information between process equipment and the fab line throughout the fabrication process, while reducing damage caused by human, environmental, mechanical and chemical factors.