DPMI seems to be relatively weak, perhaps on earnings concerns or news of additional expenses in Korea.
DuPont Photomasks Purchases Hitachi HL-800M Pattern Generator
ROUND ROCK, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 28, 1998--DuPont Photomasks, Inc. (NASDAQ:DPMI - news),
commonly referred to as DPI, announced that it plans to install a new Hitachi HL-800M pattern generator capable of
producing photomasks supporting 0.25 micron design rules in its Ichon, Korea facility.
The company plans to begin installation within the next month.
''Despite current uncertainty in the semiconductor industry, leading edge semiconductor producers continue to increase their
demand for photomasks supporting production of design rules at 0.25 micron and below,'' noted Preston M. Adcox, president
and chief operating officer of DuPont Photomasks, Inc.
''DPI's focus is to ensure that our integrated global network of production facilities maintains the equipment and engineering
expertise to meet the needs of our customers. After performing considerable engineering tests on the Hitachi HL-800M, we are
convinced that the tool's enhanced capabilities and reliability will bolster our ability to produce photomasks cost-effectively.''
As more than one dozen photomasks may be employed in the production of a single integrated circuit (IC), having the
capability of matching the best writing tool to each mask layer optimizes the entire development cycle.
''DPI is committed to improving the total cost of ownership of our tool set throughout the world,'' added Adcox.
''The Hitachi HL-800M will complement our fleet of Etec Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:ETEC - news) laser and e-beam writing
tools, allowing us to employ a mix-and-match strategy, thereby improving our productivity. Combined with our strategic
program to upgrade our existing fleet of e-beam tools, DPI is well-positioned to continue leading the industry by effectively
employing and optimizing these key assets.''
''Hitachi is very pleased that DPI, the world's leading producer of photomasks, has selected the Hitachi HL-800M pattern
generator for use in their Ichon, Korea facility,'' commented Henry Takahashi, vice president and general manager, Power &
Industrial Division, Hitachi America, Ltd. located in Brisbane, California.
''The advanced capabilities of our tool, along with its low cost of ownership, will enable DPI to produce high-quality
photomasks for its customers and we look forward to assisting them in bringing the tool online quickly.''
DuPont Photomasks, Inc. (DPI)
DPI is the world's largest photomask manufacturer, operating globally from ten strategically located facilities in North America,
Europe and Asia. The company produces and supplies photomasks as well as photoblanks (photomask substrates) and
pellicles (protective covers for photomasks).
Headquartered in Round Rock, Texas, DPI posted worldwide sales of over $260 million in fiscal 1997. The company
maintains a Web site at www.photomask.com.
Hitachi America, Ltd.
Hitachi America, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., Japan, markets and manufactures a broad range of
electronics, computer systems and products and semiconductors, and provides industrial equipment and services throughout
North America. For information on Hitachi in North America, please visit hitachi.com.
Hitachi, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world's leading global electronics companies, with fiscal 1997
(ending March 31, 1998) consolidated sales of 8,416 billion yen ($63.8 billion (a)). For more information on Hitachi, Ltd.,
please visit Hitachi's Web site at hitachi.co.jp.
Note (a): At an exchange rate of 132 yen to the dollar.
Note: This release includes forward-looking statements based on management's current plans and expectations. Such
statements involve risks and uncertainties which may cause future activities and results of operations to differ from those
suggested, including risks associated with industry trends, international currency fluctuations and the need to manage growth.
For additional information, please refer to DPI's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically the
company's most recent Forms 10-K dated September 15, 1997 and 10-Q dated May 12, 1998, which identify important risk
factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward looking statements. Results for interim
periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the year.
Contact:
DuPont Photomasks, Inc.
Dianne Schedler, 512/310-6559
or
The Loomis Group Inc.
Bruce Bedortha, 415/882-9494
bruce@loomisgroup.com |
