SEMI seeks more globalization

By Lisa A. Karter

Tokyo — Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) is pumping up its international cooperative efforts by establishing advisory groups worldwide comprised of semiconductor and flat panel display suppliers. This newest SEMI group will tackle issues concerning all suppliers of products and services to the worldwide semiconductor and flat panel display industry.

The advisory groups will target international cooperation on issues such as increasing awareness of the equipment and materials industry as a separate body from the semiconductor and flat panel display industries; and an expanded awareness of recruitment challenges. “Throughout the world, the growth of this

industry is threatened by only one thing: the lack of enough human resources to keep pace with the growth potential,” says Peter Younger, vice president and general manager for Eaton Corp. (Beverly, MA).

Following on the heels of a successful cooperative effort for the transition to 300 mm wafers, the SEMI Board of Directors hopes to continue facilitating cooperative efforts in the industry. In addition, SEMI hopes to increase the level of participation in its activities through regional advisory boards, according to Paul Avis, vice president of international operations for SEMI.

For more information, check out SEMI`s World Wide Web site at www.semi.org.