Gottfried, Jeff, and all,
Yes, it's true that the Europeans wish to deal "locally" for their equipment, just as the Asian countries prefer to buy home-made if they can. However, AMAT has a good track record at breaking in to these other markets, and is doing well in Europe (I hear). Back when I worked for AMAT, I heard that 65% of the tools being bought by Japanese fabs were from AMAT (had to be metal dep and etch, back in '97). I don't have confirmation of that, but I do know from AMAT's own Press Releases that they are getting massive orders from the Taiwan growth spurt.
So I think the Big Fabs will buy locally if it meets their needs (or there is "buy local" pressure from their government, but most of that seems to be gone these days), otherwise they'll look for the best wherever it's built. It only takes AMAT about 2 days longer to get a system from Austin to Germany than it does to get the same system to TI Dallas, so shipping isn't a problem either.
Besides, STMicro has fabs all over the world. I've taught courses recently at their Dallas facility, for instance....
Mitch |
