The calm before the storm
05/01/2000
 |
We have a saying here in New England: If you don't like the weather, wait a minute. The same can be said for the cleanrooms industry.
If you're not finding exactly what you need to maintain, augment, retrofit or build a controlled environment, be patient, for the market's atmosphere is in a constant and inevitable state of change.
Sure, constant evolution can bring as much frustration as prosperity, but if you find yourself in stormy weather, there are several fall-out shelters as well as salient forecasts from proverbial Al Roakers and Willard Scotts, who can see you through it.
The staff at CleanRooms magazine continually strives to be your barometer. And many who attended CleanRooms East 2000 came with questions that loomed like gray clouds, only to find the sun shining through back doors after attending one of the many seminars or by merely perusing the show floor and talking with exhibitors.
Some truly groundbreaking news and information came from CleanRooms East 2000, held in Baltimore in March.
There are 200 semiconductor facilities in the world that are at least 15 years old, but, believe it or not, demolishing an aging facility may not be the answer. (See "Dying facilities get second chance").
Other seminars, such as "Retrofitting Existing Cleanrooms," pointed out something that's missing from many projects. It has nothing to do with tools or design. It deals with communication between the contractor and the facility's employees. "You almost have to be like a doctor, telling your patient they will feel a slight pinch," Martin Heimann, director of construction for Carmichael (Montreal), said after the presentation.
Whether it is advice on doing better business or building a better cleanroom, the secrets and tricks of the trade are out there. Perhaps you have never considered sharing your experiences and successes, or maybe you need a better handle on an issue. Whatever the case maybe, come in from the cold. Tell us about it. Help us help you keep the wind at your back.
Mark A. DeSorbo
Associate Editor