Levitech and Solaytec kiss and make up

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) equipment manufacturers Levitech and Solaytec – former competitors – have started joint development activities. The Dutch companies successfully applied for an MIT R&D cooperation subsidy, which they will use for expanding their spatial ALD spectrum and addressing new markets.

Levitech and Solaytec were both founded a little over a decade ago, Levitech as a spinoff from ASM International and Solaytec as a spinoff from research institute TNO. Levitech was not amused about being confronted with a competitor that evolved from publicly funded research and filed formal complaints at both national and European authorities.

Last year, however, Levitech CEO Jaap Beijersbergen told Bits&Chips the hatchet had been buried (link in Dutch). With both Levitech and Solaytec facing newly emerged Chinese competition, it didn’t make sense to continue the battle, he explained.