March 27, 2002–Vancouver, WA–In a trial that is expected to last six weeks, jury selection has started for the case involving WaferTech and Natkin/Scott.
The trial will focus on a contract dispute between the foundry, WaferTech and Natkin/Scott. Natkin/Scott was hired by cleanroom contractor M+W Zander to handle the installation of the ventilation system and plumbing in the cleanroom, according to The Columbian.
In November 1996, WaferTech hired the then Dallas-based Meissner + Wurst to build a cleanroom, a project valued at $37 million. Five months later, Meissner + Wurst hired a subcontractor, Natkin/Scott, who was subsequently fired toward the end of the project, for undisclosed safety violations, notes the article.
Natkin/Scott filed a lawsuit in May 1998 with M+W Zander stating the termination was not valid. The subcontractor settled their case with M+W for $ 2.4 million. However, the company says it is still owed money from WaferTech.