SMIC and ASML sign volume purchase agreement worth 450 million Euros

SHANGHAI, CHINA: Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. and ASML Holding N.V. announced the signing of a volume purchase agreement (VPA) that will provide SMIC with lithography systems from ASML.

The VPA which is worth approximately 450 million Euros and is part of a strategic partnership between the companies that will help facilitate the timely expansion of SMIC's advanced technology capacities.

Lithography is a critical step in the manufacturing of semiconductors and helps to create complex structures that make up the transistors on a wafer.

Under the agreement ASML will provide lithography tools such as the TWINSCAN NXT system designed for volume production of 300mm wafers at the 32nm node and beyond. Some of the specific benefits include increased productivity, unprecedented overlay performance and maximum image performance for each wafer.

"SMIC is the most advanced wafer foundry in China and ASML is the leading provider for lithography systems, and we believe that this partnership will complement both sides" said Dr. Tzu-Yin Chiu, CEO and executive director of SMIC. "We chose ASML as our provider due to their world-class products and services, and this cooperation will facilitate and strengthen the development of our advanced technologies."

"ASML is always committed to provide services that match the needs of our customers," said Peter Wennink, president and CEO of ASML.

"We are pleased to have SMIC as one of our customers, and the purchase of our lithography systems shows SMIC's recognition and trust in our technology. China is an important market for us and through this agreement, we hope to increase our presence and gain a stronger foothold with the Chinese customers. We believe this is a win-win solution where both parties can benefit from the deal."

Lilianne Ploumen, the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, accompanied by members of the Dutch Consulate, attended the signing ceremony as part of an economic mission to strengthen economic ties between the Netherlands and China.

At the ceremony, Minister Ploumen said: "China is an important market that continues to grow. The signing ceremony between SMIC and ASML marks the increasing high-tech cooperation between China and the Netherlands, and I sincerely hope that this continues to develop further."