SEC/N Thoughts
Gary Alexander, President, SEC/N -- Semiconductor International, 12/1/2000
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| Gary Alexander, President, SEC/N |
In September, SEC/N established regional councils of its member companies in Southeast Asia and Japan. In the coming months, we anticipate announcing additional SEC/N regional councils in other locations around the world. The purpose of these councils is to more effectively exchange information, address local issues and enable member companies to network amongst themselves and with other companies in the region. In addition, these councils provide other SEC/N members with reputable contacts in geographic areas into which they are considering expanding.
In the short time they have been in existence, there has been significant interest shown in these councils. Why? Because semiconductor manufacturers, regardless of geographic location, are learning that quality remanufactured equipment is often available at a fraction of the cycle time and cost of new equipment. They also are recognizing the value of selling their surplus assets instead of continuing to inventory or literally smashing them. And they are starting to realize that coming together to address common issues, without compromising their companies' core competencies, really is OK.
As the regional demand for used equipment continues to rise, the more progressive OEMs will accept this evolving global market as a significant business opportunity rather than a threat. If they don't, or if their strategies aren't realistic, their local technicians will become opportunists, breaking away to start rebuilding equipment on their own. Other remanufacturers from around the world also will seize upon the opportunity and start their own satellite operations.
The question is no longer if the developing semiconductor markets of the world will come to used equipment, but when. •
Contact Gary Alexander at galexander@secninc.com and visit SEC/N's Web site at www.secninc.com .
