Von Ardenne and Applied Materials have entered into an agreement to continue the business involving Flexible Technology Group’s (FTG) roll-to-roll vacuum coating systems. This follows Applied Materials’ decision to discontinue these business activities.
Under the agreement, Von Ardenne will assume responsibility for servicing FTG systems in the Topbeam, Topmet, Smartweb, and Topcoil product lines. The scope of services includes maintenance, spare parts supply, technical support, and system upgrades and retrofits. In addition, Von Ardenne plans to offer new systems to replace existing ones or to expand current equipment fleets.
The agreement is intended to ensure long-term technical support for the installed FTG systems. In addition to support for ongoing operations, product developments are also planned. This will ensure that operators of the relevant roll-to-roll vacuum coating systems continue to have access to service, spare parts, and opportunities for technical advancement. At the same time, Von Ardenne states that the acquisition of these business activities strengthens its position in the market for roll-to-roll vacuum coating systems.