INDUSTRY MOCVD
The AIX G5+ 5 x 200 mm Planetary Reactor: high throughput of homogeneous 200 mm GaN-on-silicon wafers for production of low-cost and efficient LEDs and power devices
revenue base. We also had to cut costs, which included a staff reduction. Ever since, we have seen good progress on our operational actions.
Q A
MOCVD sales are now very weak, following a massive rise in sales several years’ ago. Do you think that the future will be cyclical, with tremendous ramps in shipments, followed by very lean times?
I communicate regularly to our investor base that the majority of MOCVD demand will be driven by the LED lighting cycle. We believe that this cycle will be less cyclical than the previous cycle. The reason for that is that the LED lighting market has a three-dimensional demand pattern.
Firstly, different applications require different products, and have different return-on-investment propositions. Residential has different light sources. Street lighting, office lighting, shop
lighting, architectural lighting, hospitality – each of these has different return- on-investment propositions. Secondly, different regions have different competitive dynamics and product preferences. You see that when you travel to Asia, or you to travel to the US – you have different products in offices and residential areas.
The third dimension is that you have a large number of players involved in the LED lighting space. This complex dynamic pattern makes it very difficult to anticipate the exact timing and shape of market demand going forward for LED manufacturing equipment. We currently see the lighting demand cycle as not a boom-and-bust cycle, but more in the shape of a gradual demand growth. It is more sustainable and lasting longer.
Q A
34
www.compoundsemiconductor.net March 2014
What does Aixtron need to do to become the dominant player in the market once more?
First we have to continue to
execute on our five-point programme. This is focusing on the customers, so we strengthen the customer support and the responsiveness, for example through our technical key account managers; stronger local teams, including regular personal contact. I’m meeting with customers regularly, to understand our relationship and how things are going with our products.
Our second point is to drive our product and technology portfolio. Our aims are to use our unique product portfolio more effectively and to further strengthen our various technologies.
Thirdly, we have to improve our processes − we must systematically optimise and accelerate our processes and project structures, for example in the areas of product development and supply chain management. The fourth point is managing financial targets. The special focus is on costs, cash and return-on-capital-employed. And the last point is to strengthen Aixtron’s leadership and corporate
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