Crossing Automation names Hakuto as exclusive distributor for Japan

FREMONT, USA: Crossing Automation Inc., a leading supplier of efficient, cost-effective front-end and back-end automation solutions and engineering services to high volume semiconductor equipment manufacturers, announced that Hakuto Corp. is the company’s exclusive distribution channel in Japan as of April 1, 2010.

Moving forward, Hakuto will offer sales, service and support for Crossing Automation’s vacuum and atmospheric wafer automation products.

“Following the acquisition of Asyst’s atmospheric wafer handling assets last year, we have been deeply focused on supporting existing customers and strategically growing our business worldwide,” said Robert MacKnight, president and CEO of Crossing Automation. “We have selected Hakuto to work hand in hand with our direct staff in Japan to ensure that we can deliver the highest levels of customer support as we work to build our customer base in this key market.”

Hakuto will immediately accept orders and support Crossing’s complete product portfolio. Crossing Automation’s Japan staff will work very closely with Hakuto to provide a smooth transition as well as first line sales and support.

“Crossing is a unique company that offers comprehensive end-to-end wafer handling solutions for semiconductor manufacturing while maintaining a concerted focus on customer satisfaction. Crossing is also well positioned with its product line to provide solutions in new markets such as life sciences, green technology, and nanotechnology where Hakuto is currently engaged,” said Noriaki Tomioka, senior vice president of the Electronics Equipment Division at Hakuto.

“Hakuto is also highly committed to its customers, making us an ideal partner to represent Crossing. We will work with them to meet the needs of new and existing customers and are already actively engaged in bringing Crossing’s products to the Japanese market.”

Crossing’s atmospheric capability includes Load Ports, EFEMs, Sorters, Lot Tracking (RFID and SmartTag) and SMIF products that Crossing offers as a result of the acquisition of Asyst Technologies in 2009. The company has combined these products with Crossing’s ExpressConnect vacuum products to create a complementary set of products and solutions for multiple automation markets.