Tegal Establishes European R&D Hub in France
Source/Type: Press Releases - As issued by company

May 14, 2009... Tegal France Represents Nerve Center 
of Company’s DRIE Product Development Activities


Petaluma, California USA, and Annecy, France—Tegal Corporation, an innovator of specialized production solutions for the fabrication of advanced MEMS, power ICs and optoelectronic devices, today announced the establishment of Tegal France, a wholly owned subsidiary, with offices located in the Haute Savoie capital of Annecy.  The move completes the transition associated with Tegal’s acquisition of the Deep Reactive Ion Etching (DRIE) products and related intellectual property for 3D packaging and MEMS devices from France-based Alcatel Micro Machining Systems (AMMS) and Alcatel Lucent.  The deal was first announced in September 2008 and completed later that month.

The new entity, its staff composed of skilled engineers from the former AMMS operation, constitutes Tegal’s European hub and the nerve center of the company’s advanced DRIE product development initiatives.  Leading the Tegal France operation is General Manager/R&D Director, Nicolas Launay.  Launay previously served as R&D Director at AMMS in Annecy.  He reports to Tegal’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Thomas Mika.

The AMMS acquisition marked an important strategic move for Tegal.  It boosts the company’s portfolio of leading-edge technologies and provides new opportunities in the MEMS and power device markets where Tegal is well entrenched.  Most important, it also provides access to large and fast-growing new markets such as thru-silicon vias (TSVs) for 3D IC packaging.  Thus far, the integration has been seamless.  Ongoing development of the AMMS DRIE product line was immediately assumed by Tegal.  In addition, JDPs and consortium programs in which AMMS was actively involved continue under the new corporate ownership.

Tegal’s CEO, Thomas Mika, paid tribute to the Tegal France team for the smooth transition, and commented on his company’s decision to plant its DRIE R&D roots in France.  “It makes excellent business sense to focus our development activities in this European location.  Here, through the former AMMS team, we already enjoy an entrenched position with close proximity to key customers and access to technology talent from premier universities.  We are very pleased to formalize the new R&D infrastructure where we will continue to innovate advanced DRIE solutions that bring value to customers.”
According to Nicolas Launay, General Manager/R&D Director for the Tegal France operation, the new R&D infrastructure provides the resources to broaden the application reach of the company’s DRIE technology and expand its served markets.  “With our many combined years of etch technology development and process expertise within both the Tegal and the AMMS product families, we believe we can offer powerful new solutions to leading semiconductor manufacturers, especially those working on new-generation 3D packaging applications,” added Launay.

Safe Harbor Statement
Except for historical information, matters discussed in this news release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act.  Forward-looking statements, which are based on assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, are generally identifiable by the use of the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "project" or similar expressions.  These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about the Company including, but not limited to industry conditions, economic conditions, acceptance of new technologies and market acceptance of the Company's products and services.  All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this paragraph.  For a further discussion of these risks and uncertainties, please refer to the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About Tegal Corporation
Tegal is an innovator of specialized production solutions for the fabrication of advanced MEMS, power ICs and optoelectronic devices found in products like smart phones, networking gear, solid-state lighting, and digital imaging.  The Company’s plasma etch and deposition tools enable sophisticated manufacturing techniques, such as 3D interconnect structures formed by intricate silicon etch, also known as Deep Reactive Ion Etching (DRIE). Tegal combines proven expertise with practical system strategies to deliver application-specific solutions that are robust and reliable, and deliver exceptional process quality and high yields at a lower overall cost of ownership.  Headquartered in Petaluma, California, the company has more than 35 years of expertise and innovation in specialized technologies, over 100 patents, and an installed base of more than 1900 systems worldwide. Please visit us on the web at www.Tegal.com.

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