PV EXPO Tokyo, 27 February 2009. Tokyo Electron(TEL), a leading global supplier of innovative semiconductor production equipment, has announced a strategic alliance with Oerlikon Solar, the worlds leading supplier of thin film silicon photovoltaic (PV) production equipment .



By forming an alliance with Oerlikon Solar, TEL will be able to satisfy its customers with outstanding equipment and related support, while drawing upon the technology and supporting capabilities it has acquired in the semiconductor and FPD production equipment markets, commented Terry Higashi, Chairman and CEO, TEL.



This strategic alliance between TEL and Oerlikon Solar creates a new solar powerhouse which will unlock the huge potential of the Asian solar market. There could be no better partnership in the center of the Asian solar market emphasizes Dr. Uwe Krger, CEO of Oerlikon. Together, TEL and Oerlikon will significantly expand the adoption of thin film silicon PV technology in Asia, Oceania and Japan, areas which are already leading in solar adoption and export.



The partnership will be based on TELs extensive sales and customer support network, semiconductor experience and highly respected market leadership and on Oerlikon Solars proven, industry-leading PV technology. TEL will become the exclusive representative for Oerlikon Solars thin film silicon PV equipment and end to end production solutions in Asia, Oceania and Japan. We will also provide manpower and services in the area of installation, ramp-up and customer service.



TEL has more than 45 years of experience in semiconductors and flat panel display (FPD) production equipment. TEL's established network of sales and support resources and Oerlikon Solars proven technology is a winning combination for the thin film PV market.



Oerlikon Solar provides the industrys most complete production equipment, technology and services for thin film silicon PV modules, offering critical cost and performance advantages for emerging solar markets. Our strategic partnership with TEL is designed to leverage complementary strengths to create the quality and scale of thin film silicon PV needed to satisfy the growing demand for clean and economically viable energy sources.



This partnership will benefit our customers enormously in Asian emerging growth markets with predictable end-to-end manufacturing facilities for thin film solar panels and local sales and customer support through TELs global network , said Jeannine Sargent, CEO Oerlikon Solar.



Enormous Growth Market

The global market for thin film PV is expected to increase at an average rate of more than 60% per year through 2012, which is more than twice the rate of growth expected for traditional crystal silicon technology. Japan, the third largest global solar market , plans to cut greenhouse gas levels 60-80 percent below 2008 levels by 2050.



Sargent: According to the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA), PV systems could be generating enough energy to satisfy the electricity needs of almost 14 percent of the world's population by 2030.



About Oerlikon Solar

Oerlikon Solar offers cost-effective, field proven end-to-end solutions for the mass production of thin-film silicon solar modules. These fully automated manufacturing solutions are focused on reducing device cost and maximizing productivity. They are available as modular end-to-end solutions with metrology and upgradeability in throughput and process technology.

Oerlikon Solar has developed a unique and innovative technology based on its leadership in thin film technology and close cooperation with its customers.

Headquartered in Truebbach, Switzerland, Oerlikon Solar maintains an R&D lab in Europe, as well as global customer support and training through sales and service centers in the United States, Europe and Asia.



About Oerlikon

Oerlikon (SWX: OERL) is one of the world's most successful high-tech industrial groups

specializing in machine and plant engineering. The company is a leader in the field of

industrial solutions and innovative technologies for textile manufacture, thin-film solar and thinfilm coating, drive, precision and vacuum systems. With roots in Switzerland and a long

tradition stretching back 100 years, Oerlikon is a global player with a workforce of more than 19,000 at 170 locations in 35 different countries. The companys sales amounted to CHF 5.6 billion and it ranks either first or second in the respective global market.





For more information, please contact:



(Product)　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　(Press Release)

Oerlikon Systems Dept.　　　　　　　　　Corporate Communication Dept.

Tokyo Electron Limited　　　　　　　　　　Tokyo Electron Limited

tel:+81-3-5561-7155　　　　　　　　　　　　tel:+81-3-5561-7004