Oerlikon Systems was awarded a ‘five star rating’ for 2009 by VLSI Research, joining a select group of semiconductor equipment manufacturers that achieve five out of five stars with exceptional customer satisfaction.This further confirms the company’s technical leadership and its commitment to strict ISO standards for quality management and sustainable manufacturing processes. “A five star rating is only given to companies with superior equipment performance and transparent organizational performance,” explains Andreas Dill, Head of Oerlikon Systems. “It’s notable that only 13 names gained five stars in 2009; these companies represent the top performers in the global semiconductor equipment market.” The five star ratings are handed out by chip equipment users (representing 95% of the world’s semiconductor market) and compiled by VLSI Research as part of their 2009 Customer Satisfaction Report. The rating is based on thirteen categories including cost of ownership, quality of results, product performance, customer service, technical leadership, and commitment. “The five star rating from VLSI also confirms our unwavering commitment to the ISO 9001 (quality management) and ISO 14001 (environmental) standards,” adds Andreas Dill. “We continue to be very committed to the development of more sustainable production solutions by reducing both the direct and indirect impact of our business operations and products on the environment.” Oerlikon Systems was certified ‘without discrepancy’ in an ISO audit of its Liechtenstein, Germany, and U.S. facilities in October 2009. The rapid ISO certification is a key industry benchmark; strict adherence to high levels of quality and reliability are vital for the success of the production solutions developed and marketed by Oerlikon Systems. VLSI Research Inc is the leading provider of market research and economic analysis on the technical, business, and economic aspects within nanotechnology and related industries. The ISO 9001 standards address quality management issues that include client quality requirements and regulatory guidelines; the ISO 14001 standards deal with the management of production processes, general operations, and product performance to minimize harmful environmental effects, and to achieve continuous improvement of overall environmental standards. Oerlikon – Enabling High TechnologyOerlikon (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 more than 16000 at 158 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.