April 23, 2012 — Strong lithography spending, as well as several acquisitions and divestures in the space, brought changes to the critical subsystems of semiconductor/related markets sector, says VLSIresearch.  

2011 was a record year for critical semiconductor manufacturing subsystem suppliers, with 9.3% revenue growth to $7.88 billion for the industry segment. Semiconductor manufacturing at 32nm and smaller nodes drove capital expenditures, stimulating demand for high-value critical subsystems. Weakening demand was seen from the flat panel display (FPD), data storage, light-emitting diode (LED) and photovoltaic industries. Another record year is on the horizon, VLSIresearch estimates, with 2012 set to beat the $8 billion mark for the first time.

Carl Zeiss SMT continued to gain market share as the top supplier, coming out of 2011 with record lenses sales at $1,545 million.

Edwards recaptured the #2 ranking from MKS Instruments, which dropped to #3.

Brooks Automation performed well, retaining #4.

The big gainer was Pfeiffer Vacuum Technology, which acquired Alcatel-Lucent’s Vacuum Technology Unit, Adixen, at the end of 2010. Pfeiffer Vacuum jumped sixteen places to #5.

Horiba consolidated its #6 position, while Advanced Energy Industries lost 2 places as the sale of its Aera mass flow business to Hitachi Metals took effect.

Cymer (#8) and EBARA (#9) posted steady growth.

A surge in Q1 2011 sales propelled Hirata into the Top 10 for the first time.

VLSIresearch inc provides market research and economic analysis on the technical, business, and economic aspects within nanotechnology and related industries. VLSIresearch’s primary databases and reports cover the semiconductor, flat panel display, PV cell and module manufacturing industries, and the market for critical subsystems and components within these and associated high technology industries. Website: www.vlsiresearch.com.

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