Strong order intake at Micronic Laser Systems

Strong order intake at Micronic Laser Systems Micronic Laser Systems' order intake amounted to MSEK 172 (92) for the third quarter. The closing order book at September 30 decreased to MSEK 118 (144). Net sales during the period amounted to MSEK 174 (178). The profit after financial income and expenses decreased to MSEK -8 (28), largely due to higher personnel costs and the investment in research and development. "The order intake has improved positively during the period and increased by 87 per cent, largely due to a shipment of an Omega6000 system. Omega6000 is a new generation laser writer for the semiconductor industry. A more favourable trend can be discerned, and there has already been a recovery in South Korea. It is important to emphasise that we have maintained our market share and that we are continuing to invest in research and development," says Bert Jeppsson, Micronic's president. The global market for flat panel displays is expanding, despite the turbulence in Asia, which is expected to result in sustained demand for laser writers for active LCD displays. Most of the manufacturers in this important market segment for Micronic are located in Japan. During the first half of the year, orders were booked for two systems. The market for semiconductors is growing, and the process of miniaturisation is continuing at an accelerating pace. Miniaturisation is progressing in the technical stages where higher resolution is an important demand on mask writers. Micronic launched the product line Omega6000 in September. Omega6000 is a laser patterning generator targeted for the production of semiconductor photomasks at the 180 nanometer technology node. The high resolution and outstanding line-width control, together with a high-speed data path make the Omega6000 an ideal tool for producing advanced semiconductor photomasks in a cost effective manner. The first Omega6000 system was shipped at the end of September. During the year, the Group has been strengthened by the recruitment of 25 new employees, mainly in the development and service business areas. On September 30 1999 the Micronic Group had 171 employees. The service organisation in Japan has been given a further boost with the inauguration of new and more suitable premises in Tokyo in April. As the number of service contracts has increased in 1999, the service side of the business will represent a significant part of the business in 1999. A listing of Micronic at the OM Stockholm stock exchange is planned within the next twelve months. The company has approximately 180 shareholders. It is the opinion of the Board of Directors of Micronic that order intake during 1999 will exceed the last year's order intake. However, the level of invoicing is expected to be below that of 1998, which will probably imply that Micronic will report an operating loss for 1999. Micronic Laser Systems in brief Micronic Laser Systems is a Swedish high-tech company engaged in the development, manufacturing and marketing of a series of extremely accurate laser writers for the production of photomasks. The technology involved is known as microlithography. Micronic's systems are used by the world's leading electronics companies in the manufacturing of television and computer displays, semiconductor circuits and semiconductor packaging components. Micronic is a fast growing company with 171 employees. Micronic is located in Täby, north of Stockholm, and Micronic presently has four service offices in: Japan, Taiwan and the US. Contact: Bert Jeppsson, President & CEO, phone: +46 8 638 52 66 ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/10/20/20000707BIT00630/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/10/20/20000707BIT00630/bit0002.pdf