Electro Scientific Industries, Inc. the renowned provider of world-class photonics and laser systems for micro engineering applications, today announced here in a jubilant mode that UK-based Stevenage Circuits Group has placed an order for a Model 5330 ultraviolet (UV) microvia drilling system. It has been stated on behalf of the Company that the order will mark the shipment of ESI's 600th microvia drilling system. There is a high estimation in ESI to dispatch the 5330 UV laser system to Stevenage's U.K. facility by the end of May 2007.

ESI is a frontrunner and leading supplier of world-class production laser systems having the direction of aiding its microelectronics customers to attain compelling yield and productivity gains. From its commencement in 1944 the company's industry-leading, application-specific products has been engaged in concentrating and augmenting electronic-device performance in three key sectors like semiconductors, components and electronic interconnect. The aspiration has been to enable exactitude in fine-tuning of device microfeatures in high-volume manufacturing environments. While Nanya Technology Corporation being a member of the Formosa Plastics Group, is a well-known global leader in advanced memory semiconductors with its central focus on research and development, design, manufacturing, and sales of DRAM products. The company at present is the owner of two 200mm fabrications in Nankan, Taoyuan and Linko city. It has added feathers to its saga of achievement through the launching of joint development programs for the 90nm, 70nm and 60nm DRAM technology generations and a 300mm joint venture (Inotera Memories, Inc.) with Infineon Technologies AG from December 2002. The sole intention being to remain competitive in the upcoming "nanometer" era.

On the contrary, the Stevenage Circuits Group is the foremost manufacturer of printed circuit boards (PCBs) in the UK. The Company is privately owned and has been in the service for over 30 years operating chiefly in the sectors such as defense, aerospace, medical, consumer, and telecommunications.

Speaking on the occasion, Nick Konidaris, president and CEO of ESI said, "The demand for ever-smaller microvias in IC packaging and flex circuits is driving increased adoption of our systems, as confirmed by this milestone shipment. To address today's most advanced requirements, the Model 5330 incorporates a new, high-power, diode-pumped laser with a pulse repetition frequency of up to 70 kHz. Building on our strong relationship with Stevenage Circuits, ESI will continue to develop highly productive, high accuracy system solutions that lower overall cost of ownership and enable our global customers to expand their production capabilities going forward.”

While talking to the Press & Media, Dougal Stewart, the General Manager at Stevenage said in a euphoric style, “The performance of our early model ESI laser drilling systems helped pave the way into the HDI technology market we specialize in today. As a valued partner, we are pleased that this third ESI laser for us will mark the 600th system milestone for ESI, and we will continue to look to ESI for cost-effective, leading-edge, laser-drilling solutions for our future manufacturing needs.”