VietNamNet Bridge - Simax Lithography BV, a subsidiary of the Netherlands-based Simax International BV, on Monday received an investment certificate for developing a semiconductor center at Saigon Hi-Tech Park (SHTP) in the city.

Head of the Saigon Hi-Tech Park Le Thai Hy awarded the investment certificate to Eduard Hoeberichts, CEO of Simax Lithography BV, to establish Simax Vietnam Co. Ltd. to perform services in the semiconductor industry.

With an investment capital of US$15 million, Simax Vietnam will set up a center for developing and manufacturing spare parts, advanced semi-processing equipment and machines for the semiconductor industry.

Simax Vietnam begins operation immediately after receiving the investment certificate.

In the first stage of development, Simax Vietnam is to provide back-office and engineering services on repair and maintenance of machines used in the semiconductor industry for Simax business around the world, according to SHTP. The company will also provide administrative and operational support for Simax business around the world.

In the next phase, based upon expected business growth, Simax plans to add manufacturing capability, which will include equipment refurbishment and remanufacturing, distribution and repair of spare parts and modules, and potentially the manufacturing of new lithography systems.

According to SHTP, Simax Vietnam will co-organize with Saigon Hi-Tech Park’s training center a couple of seminars to introduce the semiconductor industry to engineers and technicians in Vietnam. Conducted by the world’s leading experts, these seminars are also expected to develop pools of engineers in high tech services for Simax recruitment and for SHTP.

Besides, Simax Vietnam and Saigon Hi-Tech Park R&D center have shown their interest in potential collaboration to support lithography technology at the park, including lithography equipment and processes.

“Vietnam is a dynamic country with very talented labor resources and attractive labor cost. Therefore, it is a perfect location for Simax to build its growing support and product development infrastructure… Investment in Vietnam is an important pillar in our plans for continued growth and is consistent with our recent expansions in the U.S., Hong Kong and Korea,” said Eduard Hoeberichts of Simax Lithography BV.

Le Thai Hy, head of Saigon Hi-Tech Park, said that this investment would bring the advanced technologies and experience in the semiconductor industry and more job opportunities for employees in the area.

Simax is a young and fast growing company in the semiconductor industry, focusing on service and support for lithography equipment and processes.

To date, there are 52 investment certificates issued to tenants at Saigon Hi-Tech Park, with the total committed capital up to nearly US$2 billion. Nearly half of the projects are in operation, recruiting more than 11,000 employees and generating an annual export revenue of nearly US$1.2 billion.
 
Source: SGT