– ULVAC Korea, PS Technology and Korea Ulvac Cryo 

– Using Korean-made core parts in IT, LCD and PDP equipment and hiring new 540 employees 

In the completion ceremony for buildings for four ULVAC group companies, boasting the highest vacuum technology in the world, i.e. ULVAC Korea, PS Technology held in the Hyeongok Industrial Complex in Cheongbuk-myeond, Pyeongtaek-city on June 14, 200-plus guests attended, including Gyeonggi Governor Sohn Hak-kyu, six ULVAC Japan affiliate presidents, including President Nakamura Kyuzo, National Assembly speakers and officers of related firms. 

The four factories were a result of Governor Sohn Hak-kyu’s intensive efforts to attract the Japanese firm’s investment made since February 2004 by personal visits to its offices in Tokyo, and Chigasaki in Kanagawa Pref. 

It appears that the ULVAC group made its decision on the large-scale investment in the facilities in the province in expectation of maximization of investment effects, as it became possible to establish a total solution structure ranging from production of semiconductors and FDP equipment, supply of core parts and follow-up management of the relevant equipment, including surface treatment of the equipment, on the back of the domestic brisk investment in the large-sized TFT-LCD areas. 

In his congratulatory speech, Governor Sohn Hak-kyu said that it is very exceptional for affiliates of a business group to build their factories in one area of a foreign country, but the ULVAC made such a decision with the management’s deep trust in the Gyeonggi Provincial Office, in addition to the high growth potential of the nation’s semiconductor industry and the LCD industry as well as the excellent investment conditions. 

The Governor also said that a world-class IT-LCD cluster is being formed in the province, which is sure to change the map of the world’s hi-tech industry, pointing to the fact that Korea already ranks as the No.1 player in the market for major display products, including TFT-LCD, as well as in the DRAM and flash memory market. He added that, with completion of the IT-LCD cluster linking Paju, Suwon and Pydongtaek, the nation’s status in the IT industry will become more solid and that the four factories of the ULVAC Group with the world’s highest vacuum technology will contribute to enhancement of the nation’s competitiveness in the IT industry. 

The Governor said that the commencement of business operation of the world’s most prestigious player in the province is a welcome step in the interest of the nation’s prosperity and it will contribute to enhancement of the nation’s technological prowess in the IT-LCD area, creation of jobs and invigoration of the local economy. 

The Japanese firm’s investment in the province is expected to bring about the effect of employing 540 people. Products made in these facilities will be supplied to Samsung Electronics and LG-Phillips LCD.