BTU launches plant in Shanghai

BTU Int. Inc., a supplier of thermal processing equipment for semiconductor packaging, surface-mount, and advanced materials processing, has opened a manufacturing facility in Shanghai, China.

The plant is located at the Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone in Pudong. It is expected to enable BTU to serve the growing electronics assembly market in China and the rest of Asia. First product shipment will commence this quarter with production levels ramping up through 2004.

"China, with the fastest growing and strongest economy in Asia, is both a rapidly growing consumer and producer of electronic products. As our customer base shifts to Asia to take advantage of this two-fold strength, we are responding with this new plant to ensure our continuing ability to deliver the quality, service and economy our customers expect. Manufacturing in the Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone will allow us to provide our Asian customers with rapid supply, significant freight savings and a high content of local materials," said Mark R. Rosenzweig, president and CEO.