BALZERS, Liechtenstein--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oerlikon (SWX:OERL), a global leader for wafer processing systems, has done it again, winning top honors in the “10 BEST” survey from VLSI Research Inc. for the 10^th year in a row. The company was rated in the top three of the ‘Small Suppliers of Wafer Processing Equipment’ for the 2^nd straight year.

“The 2009 VLSI survey results confirm our market and technology priorities,” says Andreas Dill, Head of Oerlikon Systems. “Our top ranking in the ‘Wafer Processing Equipment’ category underlines our commitment to providing the best possible production solutions. Because if you don’t improve from year to year, you don’t make the “10 BEST”.”

Swiss quality performer
Each of the ‘Small Suppliers of Wafer Processing Equipment’ (categorized by size according to revenue) were rated in the following 13 categories: uptime, build quality, usable throughput, quality of results, product performance, process support, field engineering support, support after sales, technical leadership, commitment, spares support, software and cost of ownership.

Oerlikon showed its Swiss quality with the highest customer ratings in software, build quality, product performance and technical leadership. This put the company in the #3 overall spot as best performing thin-film deposition equipment supplier in the highly competitive “Small Suppliers of Wafer Processing Equipment” category for the second straight year.

Oerlikon was also in the top 15 of the “Focused Suppliers of Chip Making Equipment” category, winning top honors for “build quality.”

“Winning the award again this year, in the midst of an extremely difficult market downturn, says a lot about the know-how and commitment of our people,” adds Sven E. Jarby - Head of Marketing & Communication.

The annual survey of the “10 BEST” Customer Satisfaction award for Wafer Processing Equipment is carried out by VLSI Research, Inc., and is the only publicly available opportunity for chip manufacturers to provide feedback on their suppliers. With the “10 BEST” rankings determined by semiconductor customers, the suppliers use the survey results to evaluate and improve their service and equipment performance. In addition to public recognition, the survey provides detailed ratings by equipment type, platform, and area of the world. The survey also provides insight into customer loyalty, and user preferences.

Oerlikon – Enabling High Technology
Oerlikon (SIX:OERL) is one of the world's leading international high-tech industrial groups specializing in machine and plant engineering. The company is a leader in the field of industrial solutions and innovative technologies for textile manufacture, thin-film solar and thin-film coating, drive, precision and vacuum systems. With roots in Switzerland and a long tradition stretching back 100 years, Oerlikon is a global player with a workforce of almost 18 500 at 180 locations in 37 different countries. The company's sales amounted to CHF 4.8 billion in 2008 and it ranks either first or second in the respective global markets.