Orbotech’s Sharon Cohen: ‘2019 is going to be great’

But 2018 was not only a record-breaking business year, number-wise, for the company, the year also ended on positive notes on several other aspects. “We are also very proud of other achievements we made, including enhancing relationships with existing customers, penetrating new and interesting market segments, and establishing new customer relationships”, Sharon Cohen, President of Orbotech West, tells Evertiq. While Orbotech West is strong in its established customer segments – think companies that manufacture on a mass production scale – it decided to concentrate on small- to mid-size PCB manufacturers - a move that made Orbotech West ‘more flexible and agile’. And, as it would seem, more profitable too. This change contributed, according to Sharon, to the success it enjoyed in 2018. Another – more specific – example of the changes that Orbotech made is the move into flex applications. Or rather, Orbotech followed the lead of their OEM customers and dedicated research and development activities to develop machines that would support their internal growth. And leaving the success of 2018 behind, the company is moving into 2019 with confidence and a clear direction. “We have many ideas for growth for 2019 and beyond, as most do. We feel that we are definitely on the right track with our market focus and with the segments we cover. We will continue to do more of what we do well, and to improve in those areas where we do not yet excel”, Sharon says. He explains further that the big focus will be on the technology itself. In 2019, Orbotech will introduce four new systems into the ‘West’ market. “These are specifically designed for those segments that have – up until now – not been a focus area for us. This is definitely a big move for us”, Sharon continues. Currently, Orbotech West’s business revenues are made up of the communications, automotive and aerospace segments. One – the automotive industry – is experiencing a complete overhaul, which should provide ample business opportunities for the company. As some of you might remember, in late March 2018 semiconductor equipment maker KLA-Tencor Corp entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Orbotech in a deal valued at USD 3.4 billion. That deal has now been announced as completed. This should provide Orbotech with a significant increase in growth potential and allow the company to accelerate its product development roadmap. Orbotech, an established brand name in the electronics manufacturing industry, will continue to operate as a standalone business of KLA, with its headquarters in Yavne (Israel) and its existing manufacturing footprint.