AI Magazine Issue 7 2018

22 Acquisition International - Issue 7 2018 Since 1999, Ichor Systems has been a leading manufacturer of gas and chemical delivery systems for semiconductor process equipment. As part of our annual CEO of the Year program, Acquisition International Magazine recognised Thomas Rohrs as our US CEO of the Year 2018, for his role making Ichor Systems an exemplar in the US manufacturing industry. We profiled Thomas and Ichor Systems to find out exactly why they are considered a goliath in the semiconductor industry. or almost 20 years, Ichor Systems has been spearheading the semiconductor, LED, OLED, alternative energy, data storage and flat panel display markets, swiftly becoming the preferred vendor for leaders operating in those areas. Building on this history of expertise, the company has made movements to consolidate their experience in worldwide supply chain networks, rapid product introductions, and scheduling flexibility for chemical and gas delivery models, semiconductor system refurbishment and plastics manufacturing. Since going public in 2016, the company experienced strong sales momentum through 2017 and into 2018, with a promising outlook for the rest of the year. All of this, naturally, has been overseen by CEO Thomas Rohrs, who we awarded as the US CEO of the Year in Manufacturing, for his significant achievements since taking the reins of Ichor as Chief Executive Officer in September 2014. Alongside being the CEO of Ichor Systems, Rohrs has honed his corporate expertise through several prominent positions across the Technology and Energy landscape – previously acting on the board of directors for Vignani Technologies, Magma Design Automation and Ultra Clean Technologies. Rohrs also held the position of CEO and Chairman of Skyline Solar from 2010 to 2012 and Electroglas from 2006 to 2009, and is currently serving on the board of directors at Advanced Energy Company: Ichor Systems Web: www.ichorsystems.com Phone: +1 510 897 5200 A CEOwith a Vision F 1804AI67 Industries and Intevac Inc. Rohrs compliments his considerable experience with an impressive academic record; with an MBA from Harvard Business School and a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame, which has served him well when it comes to directing Ichor to success. Ichor Systems prides itself on being a “turnkey” partner to major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), which enables them to outsource all non- critical elements of their tool design, production and support to focus their resources firmly on processes and technology development. Moreover, the company is well positioned to offer additional services to their partners, from world-class laboratory facilities, with both Class 100 and Class 10,000 clean room facilities, to bespoke plastic and stainless-steel machining, welding, assembly and packaging perfect for the prototyping and assembly of full-scale production units. Recent expansion into South East Asia has reinforced and aligned Ichor’s command of its worldwide supply chain strategies, driving innovation into new products and markets- as well as helping realise their desire to offer an outstanding, tailored approach to their customer’s unique requirements and needs. Building on this, Ichor are also the holder of the exclusive global license to sell Single Chamber Plasma Etch Equipment (SCPEE) for metal, conductor and dielectric applications, making them the favoured supplier of legacy services in the semiconductor market. Moving towards the end of 2018, and into next year, Rohrs has expressed the need for Ichor to capitalise on emerging technologies in the semiconductor and manufacturing sectors. The semiconductor market is one of continuing, rapid growth, and as more and more companies look to corner their share of the market, existing companies are looking to keep ahead of the competition, and reduce costs. Rohrs believes that collaborating with existing clients to solve potential problems is the key to Ichor’s continuing success, and how they are staying ahead of the curve in this cutting-edge sector. Ichor Systems Inc has been publicly listed on NASDAQ under ICHR since 2016, and is outpacing like peers in its growth. A CEO with a Vision Moreover, the company is well positioned to offer additional services to their partners, from world-class laboratory facilities, with both Class 100 and Class 10,000 clean room facilities, to bespoke plastic and stainless-steel machining, welding, assembly and packaging perfect for the prototyping and assembly of full-scale production units.