PRI Automation Expands Korean Operations

PRI Automation, Inc. (Billerica, MA) has established PRI Korea, Ltd., a joint venture with Chung Song Systems Co., Ltd., and Shinsung Engineering Co., Ltd. The new company, headquartered in Boondang, Korea, will expand and enhance PRI's presence in the Asia Pacific region. The joint venture will also provide a local manufacturing base for PRI's automated material handling products.

With the opening of PRI Korea, PRI becomes the first semiconductor factory automation supplier to establish a fully-functional operation in this manufacturing sector. Mr. S.K. Suh, who served as president of Varian Korea, and is currently president of Chung Song Systems Co., Ltd., will be the president of the joint venture. Mr. W.K. Lee, president of Shinsung Engineering Co., Ltd., will serve on PRI Korea's board of directors.

PRI Korea will provide sales, service and application engineering, project management, and planning and design services. Over the next two years, the company will develop plans to begin local manufacturing operations and will enter into joint R&D agreements with Korean semiconductor manufacturers to develop new products and services. PRI Korea will work closely with PRI Taiwan, a wholly owned subsidiary of PRI Automation supporting customers in Taiwan and Singapore.

Edited by Beth Brindle