Peter Wolters and SpeedFam-IPEC Join Forces

      Peter Wolters AG, a German machine tool company and provider of precision abrasive machining technology, has announced it has merged with SpeedFam-IPEC to provide more comprehensive service and a broader range of abrasive machining products.

      The joint organization supplies a line of advanced abrasive machines including: single and double-side lappers/polishers, double-side fine grinders, thru-feed grinders and precision deburring systems.

      Since being acquired by Novellus in June 2004, Peter Wolters has joined with the SpeedFam-IPEC division of Novellus to form a worldwide Peter Wolters Organization. The new organization has an installed base of over 5,500 systems throughout North America and over 10,000 worldwide. Existing Peter Wolters products will continue to sell under the Peter Wolters name while the SpeedFam products will sell under the SpeedFam-PW brand.

      Andrew Corsini, president, Peter Wolters of America stated, "The combined resources of this new organization will significantly enhance support services for our customers and accelerate the development of more productive abrasive machining systems to give our customers facing global competition a competitive advantage."

      Byron Sheets, vice president, Speedfam-IPEC Corp. commented, "Our joint goal is to partner with our customers as the total solutions provider in abrasive finishing tasks, putting our engineering experience to work to help our customers achieve their business objectives."

      For over 200 years Peter Wolters has supplied machine tools and is a provider of lapping, grinding, polishing and deburring products across a range of industries including aerospace, industrial, automotive and electronics. "Peter Wolters philosophy is to apply advanced technology and individual solutions to solve each machining challenge," a spokesperson stated.

      Founded in 1954, SpeedFam-IPEC is a U.S. machine tool builder specializing in the manufacture and distribution of lapping, polishing and grinding equipment, along with consumables and accessories for precision stock removal and fine surface finishing. The company is headquartered in Des Plaines, Illinois.

      The combined organization has U.S. operations in Des Plaines, Illinois; Plainville, Massachusetts; Portland, Oregon and Phoenix, Arizona.

      For more information contact:

      Andrew Corsini

      Peter Wolters of America, Inc.

      14 High Street/P.O. Box 1585

      Plainville, MA 02762

      508-643-4902

      Fax: 508-695-7154

      E-mail: a.corsini@Peter-Wolters.com

      Byron Sheets

      Speedfam-IPEC Corp.

      509 North Third Avenue

      Des Plaines, IL 60016

      847-803-3200

      Fax: 847-803-9875

      E-mail: byron.sheets@speedfam.com