compiled by Angela Godwin

MEMS company breaks ground on new expansion
Micralyne Inc. (Edmonton, Alberta; www.micralyne.com), an independent MEMS microfabrication company, has begun a facility expansion that will feature the deployment of 10,000 square feet of new manufacturing space within the existing building, including both Class 10 and Class 1,000 cleanrooms for silicon MEMS fabrication, testing, and assembly. As a result, Micralyne will augment its Class 10 cleanroom space by 70 percent and Class 1,000 cleanroom space by 50 percent. According to the company, the expansion will increase Micralyne’s manufacturing capacity to accommodate its growing customer base. The project is expected to be completed in October 2007.

Lab overstock available

Best Lab Deals, Inc. (Garner, NC; www.bestlabdeals.com), an international distributor of laboratory equipment and supplies, has received over $6 million worth of ThermoFisher overstock, demo and scratch-and-dent inventory, including items such as IEC centrifuges, Powerfreeze freezers, standard refrigerators and freezers, Hamilton furniture case work and fume hoods and safety cabinets. The ThermoFisher inventory is ready for shipment, and the company is offering a special free-ground-shipping promotion on orders over $250.

Construction of NF3 production facility underway

Air Products (Lehigh Valley, PA; www.airproducts.com), supplier of industrial and specialty gases, has begun the first construction phase of its nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) plant in Ulsan, Korea. NF3 is used as a chamber cleaning gas in the manufacture of semiconductors, flat- panel displays and other electronic devices. According to the company, the new production facility, which will be operated by Air Products Korea Electronics, will produce more than 500 metric tons per year when completed in late 2007. Upon completion, Air Products global capacity will be more than 2,500 metric tons annually. Air Products intends to continue to operate its three existing NF3 plants in Hometown, PA.