I have seen papers from Samsung and others in the Pacific Rim published that have incorporated UTEK mix and match. I am hoping they translate into manufacturing strategies.
The foreign companies (excluding Japan) will most definitely purchase the most cost effective tools no matter where the country of origin is. The only real requirement will be available Field Service support in this region, price, performance, capability and COO, IMO. Most of the major US equipment companies are well staffed in these geographic areas to support the equipment they install and offer world class products. AMAT, NVLS, and KLAC, just to name a few, are world leaders and will be sold everywhere (including Japan).
Japan, IMO, is very "econo-centric" and we can usually assume they will try to buy Japanese products first and then look outside their country. To counter this, companies like AMAT have Japanese JVs or Divisions to service the Japanese market an try to be on equal footing.
BTW-Do not get uptight over the Aug20 calls that were dumped today. I am responsible for the 40 contraxt sale out of the 44 sold today. I couldn't resist selling a $2 contract for $5 and took the profits. We are two weeks from expiry and I didn't want to see the premium stripped away. My confidence is not shaken but my wallet got the better of me here.<GGGG>
Andrew |
