M2 Engineering and Leybold Optics enter into strategic alliance
[Stockholm, Sweden, June 26rd, 2008] M2 Engineering AB and Leybold Optics GmbH are pleased to announce entering into a strategic alliance that encompasses both the solar and optical disc activities of both companies.
Leybold Optics is a major European manufacturing company that, for more than 150 years has been a world leader in the field of high vacuum thin film industrial coatings on both solid and flexible substrates. In recent years, Leybold Optics has gained a reputation as a major supplier of equipment and systems for thin film solar cell production. Leybold Optics specializes in sputtering and PEVCD systems and is a leader in key optical technologies.
The recently restructured M2 Engineering is now re-positioned to continue to be a leading player in the optical disc industry. M2 has a history of innovation and ‘smart solutions’ and has recently received extremely positive reactions to the cost-effective Blu-ray mastering and replication solutions that were launched at the Media-Tech show in Frankfurt. The fully established M2 manufacturing facility in Thailand remains central to the company's business strategy and it is expected that this capacity for cost-effective and high quality production of high-tech equipment will be a key part in the alliance between the two companies. The diversification into thin film photovoltaic technology is progressing well and this is also an area where this cooperation is expected to have mutual benefits for both M2 and Leybold Optics.
Mr Kevin Parnell, Vice President of Leybold Optics in Asia will, in addition to his Leybold Optics solar responsibilities, also play a leading role in the further development of the M2 optical disc business in the Asia Pacific region.
Mr Parnell comments:
”I have been active in the optical disc industry for the past 12 years as the former President of Singulus Technologies Asia Pacific and prior to that I was also deeply involved in the solar industry. I am very optimistic about this valuable collaboration and the chance to again participate in the optical media industry with a leading company like M2. Even though the optical disc industry is mature, and faces difficult times and great challenges it is clear that it is still a market that offers great potential for M2/Leybold Optics as a strong and credible equipment supplier.
This is especially relevant for Blu-ray where the company is offering unique and flexible multi-format solutions for both replication and mastering. In any industry, it is essential for customers to have a choice and the M2/Leybold Optics cooperation creates another strong player. Both M2 and Leybold Optics are headed by engineers who really understand manufacturing and technology. Both companies share a common view that “our customers are our partners” and that they must be treated as such. We will work with our customers to find the most cost-effective manufacturing solutions for both thin film solar and optical disc production. Leybold Optics and M2 will combine the resources of our extensive regional offices, agents, and other joint facilities and will continue to provide the high level of service that both companies are renowned for.”
The cooperation between M2 and Leybold Optics will lead to many synergies and the combining of resources will enable the optimization of the activities of both companies, especially in the solar and optical disc industries. Both Carl Langenskiold, Group CEO of M2 and Helmut Frankenberger, President and CEO of Leybold Optics are equally enthusiastic about this cooperation and comment:
”There are a number of similarities and common interests between M2 and Leybold Optics. Both companies have a long tradition in the optical media industry and have a strong focus on thin film photovoltaic technologies for future development. This alliance will allow the core technologies of M2 and Leybold Optics, such as sputtering, coating and product handling etc. to be further developed and utilized to the benefit of both companies.”
Carl Langenskiold continues:
“Following our re-structure and with the significant new investments that have been secured, M2 now has a strong financial platform on which to further develop our optical disc business, as well as the accelerated diversification into solar technology. We continue with innovative R & D and this is proven by the recent launch of our unique and revolutionary Blu-ray mastering and replication solutions. These developments have been well received and we have already succeeded in securing a number of orders for the SQM Blu-ray system with more expected in the short-term. Our order intake for CD and DVD machines has also increased significantly now that we have formally exited our re-structuring period and co-operating with Leybold Optics will further re-establish our position in the market. We will share resources and sales channels as well as further exploit the potential of the M2 manufacturing facility in Thailand, that has exceeded even our own expectations in terms of efficiency and the quality of the machines that have been produced there over the last 2 years.”
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