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.

See the semiconductor assembly and test equipment suppliers here.

See the best of THE BEST here.

With a 9% increase and an outstanding average rating of 8.95, customers honored Novellus with first place for the second year in a row. This is Novellus’ fourth appearance in first place. This supplier of deposition equipment excelled in all rating categories and earned the highest ratings among all Large Suppliers of Wafer Processing Equipment in 14 of 15 categories. With ratings in nine categories at 9.0 or above, Novellus’ highest rating was in trust in supplier at 9.2. The companies rating Novellus represented 56% of the chip market.

ASML, the premier lithography supplier, jumped from 4th place to 2nd with an average rating of 8.07. Not surprisingly, ASML earned its highest rating, as well as the highest rating among all large wafer processing suppliers in technical leadership at 9.3. ASML’s ratings were earned with responses from 54% of the chip market.

Applied Materials, the worldwide chip equipment leader, shot up six positions to 3rd place this year. A 17% increase boosted its rating to 8.02. Applied Materials’ highest ratings were in technical leadership and quality of results, both at 8.4. This supplier was reported on by 72% of the chip market.

Oerlikon, a supplier of PVD equipment, earned the number one spot for the third consecutive year as its rating rose to 8.19 this year. The company received its highest ratings in five categories, two of which were the highest among all Small Suppliers of Wafer Processing Equipment: product performance and usable performance at 8.4. Oerlikon was represented by 35% of the chip market.

Plasma-Therm bounced into 2nd place, slightly behind Oerlikon, with a rating of 8.18. A supplier of etch and clean equipment, Plasma-Therm received its highest ratings, as well as the highest ratings among all small wafer processing suppliers in commitment and field engineering support, both at 8.7.

EV Group increased its rating 13% to an 8.14 and jumped 3 slots to 3rd place. The company earned its highest rating, as well as that of all small wafer processing suppliers, in trust in supplier.

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.

Stay tuned for additional rankings from VLSIresearch’s survey!

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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