Tokyo Electron: Leading the Way for New Global Innovation Date:   Wednesday , January 28, 2015 Minute to minute innovations in the semiconductor industry explicitly led by mobile devices (smartphones, tablet PCs, wearable computers), various sensors and high-performance servers is what is building a high information content networked societyat present. The history of semiconductor industry has never been the one of grand heroic theories, but one of painstaking and intelligent labor by the unsung heroes.The past 50 years have really turned the tables around for semiconductor chip makers, but the real pressure mounts on the semiconductor production equipment (SPE) industry which does not have the same level of displacement like the chipmakers. This is where the 1963 established Tokyo Electron Ltd. (TEL) (TYO:8035) positions itself high in the sky. Being a well known name in the SPE space, TEL has been delivering products and services in multiple categories of semiconductor chipmakers for past 50 years and continues maintaining a position within the industry as one of the top 3 SPE players since 1990. Fueling Innovation The semiconductor production equipment (SPE) is classified into many highly specialized categories. The constant upcoming of ground-breaking electronic devices are driving innovation in terms of hyper fictionalization, high-speed processing, and low power consumption,and determining the future of semiconductor chip industry. Having a remarkable history of about half a century, TEL has developed strong technology and financial competence to realize such a wide diversity of innovation requirements to support future semiconductor chip makers. Serving global markets, the company has been pioneers and leaders since the pre-dawn days of the industry and emerged as a respected brand in the space. \"Our pre-process of semiconductor manufacturing has had top market share and till date, we have delivered a total of 50,000 equipments. We provide all-around processes and this enables our customers to procure an almost full product line. Our strong and enthusiastic after service team provides a thorough customer support which is one of our key strengths,\" says Terry Higashi, Chairman & CEO, Tokyo Electron Ltd. (TEL). Best among the Rest The nature of the SPE industry does not allow too many competitors to play in. However, even among few top contenders, TEL\'s products have an upper handwhen it comes to performance in relation to defectivity, productivity and cost of ownership. Some of its highly appreciated products include Coater/Developers, EtchSystems, Thermal Processing Systems, Surface Preparation Systems,(Auto Wet Station, Gas Chemical Etch System, Single Wafer Cleaning System), Single Wafer Deposition Systems and Test Systems amongst others. It also offers other products in the lineup that comprises ofWafer Bonding/Debonding, SiC Epitaxial CVD System and Gas Cluster Ion Beam System. A Strong Marketing Mix to Make Relations TEL constructively contributes to the whole semiconductor industry by successfully harnessing global synergies.Having the visionline, \'A Company with a Dream for the Future\', the technological leader not only enables its customers\' dream map, but also continues to support them with the best of intentions even after selling the products.Be it customers or employees, both are considered the most treasured assets at TEL. \"We consider human resources to be the heart of our company. We encourage every employee to communicate freely regardless of age, sex, and nationality. Every employee has a chance to be evaluated with add-point scoring system, and this environment encourages them to challenge themselves and make breakthroughs to achieve excellent results,\" adds Terry. Though operating in a B2B space, the company endeavorsto share its corporate message and philosophy with the general public. The brandis highly sensitive to community issues, and assumes corporate responsibility for local needs that defines its rich culture. To reach out to potential stakeholders, TEL uses a media mix strategy where it sponsors scientific forums, including collaboration with universities, educational radio programs, and hands-on experience events for the younger generation. It also reaches out to the masses and connects with the public through advertising in major newspapers and magazines and also sponsors various sporting events such as The National Soccer League(J-league) and Ekiden (run race) that splendidlyappeals to the young generationand communities where TEL has manufacturing facilities. Towards Becoming the New Global Innovator Customers\' requests are increasing and to respond to their requirements for technological excellence and cost competitiveness, TEL felt the need for more R&D investment. This is where the two celebrated names in the SPE industry, Applied Materials and Tokyo Electron decided to join hands to create a global innovator for the Semiconductor and Display industries. This makes for the best permutation with an objective ofbringing complementary leading technologies and products to create an expanded set of capabilities in precision materials engineering and patterning. \"In this inflection point, by merging as one, we will obtain fertile experienced personnel and technological assets. This merger will create a more productive environment, enabling engineers to tackle advanced problems. In addition, we will rarely have overlap of product lines and organizational operations. The merger is the best option to take advantage of our achievements at this turning point and to continue being among the leaders,\" concludes Terry. Panel: Key Management Terry Higashi, CEO & President Terry joined Tokyo Electron, Ltd. in April 1977 and holds the role of Managing Director since April 1994. Later he became the President in June 1996.