May 25, 2012 -- THE BEST rankings from VLSIresearch identify the highest-rated suppliers of wafer processing, assembly, and test equipment. Chipmakers applauded their suppliers with increased ratings this year, according to a survey by VLSIresearch.

Wafer processing equipment supplier rankings are available here.

Hitachi High-Technologies, a leading die bonder supplier, retained its #1 position for the second year in a row with an excellent rating of 9.05. This rating also earned Hitachi High-Tech the highest rating among all THE BEST Suppliers of 2012. The company topped all categories, earning its highest ratings among all assembly equipment suppliers in 14 of 15 categories. The company’s highest rating of 9.4 was achieved in trust in supplier and partnering.

F&K Delvotec increased its rating 7% this year to 8.51. Customers rated F&K Delvotec best in field engineering support and support after sales, both at 9.0. These ratings reflect F&K’s efforts to better support customers locally by providing an engineering group in Singapore dedicated to customizing the automation systems on bonders to specific requirements.

Kulicke & Soffa shot up from 9th to 3rd position this year with an 8% rating increase to 7.7. Product performance was the company’s best attribute, with a rating of 8.1.

Advantest and Teradyne competed strongly for the #1 slot with Advantest just edging out Teradyne in a photo finish. Advantest increased its rating 14% to 8.37 as Teradyne jumped 19% to 8.35. Each supplier earned its highest rating, as well as the highest rating among all Test Suppliers, in one category: Advantest in trust in supplier and Teradyne in would recommend supplier. High ratings in these two categories are an advantage as these attributes help drive market share growth. Supplier trust drives growth from its current customers; customer recommendation drives growth by developing new customers. More than 90% of the chip market reported on both suppliers.

LTX-Credence increased its rating by an outstanding 25% to 8.14. Represented by 57% of chip suppliers, its highest rating was earned in uptime at 8.5.

VLSIresearch received feedback from more than 99% of the chip market for this year’s survey. The survey spans two and half months and covers five languages. Worldwide participants were asked to rate equipment suppliers among fifteen categories based on three key factors: supplier performance, customer service, and product performance. 2,102 surveys were returned, resulting in 49,480 total responses.

The VLSIresearch annual Customer Satisfaction Survey on Chip Making Equipment allows chip manufacturers to provide feedback on their suppliers. VLSIresearch is a leading provider of market research and economic analysis on the technical, business, and economic aspects within nanotechnology and related industries. Website: www.vlsiresearch.com.

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