Civilization Template

Chapter 137: First Encounter with TSMC

February 2, the Netherlands, Eindhoven, Central Station.

5 am.

A dusty long-distance bus from Hamburg pulled into the station.

With the opening of the car door, the passengers who had stayed in the car for more than 9 hours came out one by one.In the cool air in the morning, Qu Feng and others stretched their bodies to relieve the discomfort caused by the long journey.

In the last part of the trip in Europe, everyone chose the economical long-distance bus.In addition to being cheaper, sleeper buses can also save on overnight hotel expenses.

"This is Eindhoven? This city is not big."

After picking up their luggage, everyone had a chance to look around.

Holding the camera, Huang Chuxiong, who was excited and ready to take a picture, put down his hand again in disappointment. "There's nothing to photograph here at all!"

In the past week, MEMS teams have swept across the major cities of West Germany, from south to north.The advancement of Munich, the prosperity of Frankfurt, and the development of Hamburg all left a deep impression on everyone.

Although there are not many high-rise buildings in cities in European countries, mainly four or five-story buildings.One of the main reasons is for overall planning considerations. In addition, the urbanization process in Europe has ended, and there is no need to build large-density buildings.

But Eindhoven broke this convention.

As far as the eye can see, the center of Eindhoven is actually dominated by low two-story buildings.It gives everyone a sense of sight of returning from the city to the countryside.

If we only talk about the buildings in front of the Central Station, even Ice City can throw Eindhoven two miles away.

"If you are not satisfied here, you will be even more dissatisfied when we are going to Wildhofen." Qu Feng said.

Wildhofen is actually a satellite town of Eindhoven.

"From the perspective of location, ASML is not a very good company. Can a company built in the countryside be high-tech!"

Huang Chuxiong spoke out the aspirations of everyone. "If I knew this earlier, there would be no need to take the bus for nearly 10 hours and make this trip."

A man depends on clothes, a horse depends on a saddle.Many high-tech companies visited in West Germany are located in central cities.It was the first time for everyone to come to such a remote place.

"Don't underestimate Eindhoven, the headquarters of Philips is here." Qu Feng pointed around.

Many buildings around the station have the trademark of Philips.

"alright."

Huang Chuxiong curled his lips. "How do we go next?"

Everyone unconsciously turned their attention to Chen Quan.

Ever since Chen Quan showed a proud leading talent in Munich, more and more people regard Chen Quan as a German expert.

"Uh"

Chen Quan looked around for a while, then shook his head. "I'm not familiar with this place, so I'd better find a local and ask."

"It's too early now. Even if we take a taxi there, no one from ASML goes to work. Why don't we just have breakfast in the city and take some photos." Zhao Liangcai said. "After coming out of ASML, we went straight to the airport and didn't go back to the city."

"it is good."

Qu Feng nodded in agreement.

The sun hadn't risen yet, and in the misty morning light, people dragged their luggage and strolled on the streets of Eindhoven.

The main life circle of European cities and towns is constantly developing and expanding around the church.Same goes for PSV.Around several churches in the city center, there are many shopping malls and restaurants, and even bars along the street.

Although the urban architecture of Eindhoven is not very tall, due to the accumulation of history, each building has developed its own characteristics.Churches, bluestone floors, distinctive buildings, colorful signboards, neon lights, these things are combined and echo each other to form a delicate beauty.

It's a pity that the whole city is quiet and hasn't fully woken up yet.Everyone walked for a long time, but they couldn't find an open restaurant until they saw McDonald's.

Compared with the empty streets, McDonald's is full of popularity.

Unlike in China, McDonald's and KFC represent advanced and high-end products.In Europe, McDonald's, KFC, and pizza are three common cheap fast food.The status is similar to that of the breakfast shops all over the country.

After breakfast, and took some photos casually in the city center, everyone drove to the location of ASML.

After leaving the urban area and entering the industrial area, the buildings on both sides of the road gradually grew taller.
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ASML is a young company founded in 1984 out of Philips Laboratories.

In the current market, there are many lithography machine players. Nikon and GCA are the two main players, which respectively occupy [-]% of the international lithography machine market, Ultratech accounts for about [-]%, and other players share the remaining [-]% (including Canon and other players). level player).

Since the company has just been established, even Philips is not optimistic about the lithography machine business.Therefore, Qu Feng and his party received a grand and warm reception at ASML.

"No wonder they charge so much for custom development."

Standing in the design center of ASML, Sun Chunsheng was deeply moved. "Isn't this expensive?"

In front of everyone, there are rows of workstations with big heads.

Half of the drawing software used by ASML engineers is ProE, and the other half is UG.This kind of workstation-specific CAD software starts at US$3 for a set, plus the workstation hardware platform, and the hardware configuration of each engineer is close to US$5.

The appearance of hundreds of 5-dollar units at the same time gives people a sense of gold and silver.

"Right." ASML's project manager, although he couldn't understand Chinese, probably guessed what the Chinese guests thought. "Our offer was already the best offer. We didn't even try to make a profit from the project."

ASML, eager to find a way out of the market, is now going to the doctor when it is sick.

Due to the large number of players in the lithography machine market, the nascent ASML was forced to avoid its edge and focus on emerging markets, such as Taiwan, South Korea and other regions.Songhuajiang Semiconductor has also become one of their targets.

"I fully understand your costs, but now it's not a question of whether there is any profit, but that we simply can't afford it." Qu Feng said bluntly.

"If your company lacks funds, we can match you up, help you find some external investors, and even help you introduce Philips."

"Let's think again."

Qu Feng was noncommittal.

"Well, let's go to the restaurant for dinner first. Maybe you can see some old friends there." The project manager was very enthusiastic.

"Old friend?"

"Yes. Some engineers from Taiwan are receiving training from us. Through them, you can also learn more about the performance and quality of our equipment."

Like most Nordic high-tech companies, ASML will provide employees with a free buffet at noon.

Unlike China, Western European companies do not place too much emphasis on catering when entertaining guests.So these days, Qu Feng and others basically spent their lunch in the canteens of each company.

Of course, contact with various companies is still in the preliminary stage.Once the project really has an idea, expensive adult entertainment is the preferred choice of Westerners.Not to mention, in the Netherlands, red light districts are completely legal.

"Come on, let me introduce you. This is Mr. Zhang from Taiwan. He led a team to the Netherlands to receive equipment."

The project manager enthusiastically introduced the two teams of Chinese.

"This is Mr. Qu from Songhuajiang Semiconductor."

A group of Chinese, in the Netherlands, made first contact in English.

The group of Taiwanese came from a newly established company, TSMC.Philips invested US$[-] million and semiconductor production technology.In addition to the participation of investors such as Philips, the government has provided TSMC with a large amount of support policies and funds.All expenses related to TSMC's overseas training of employees will be reimbursed by the Taiwan authorities.Therefore, TSMC has been stationed in Philips for many years to learn semiconductor production experience.

Due to the common shareholders, all lithography machines of TSMC are purchased from ASML.This large order can be regarded as saving ASML's life.

"I've heard of you, you're very nice."

When it was Chen Quan's turn, the reserved middle-aged man shook his hands vigorously. "Your name is included in many news reports. This is rare."

"Nice to meet you."

Chen Quan didn't know what to say.After all, the two sides are not familiar with each other at all.

This Mr. Zhang, that is, when he shook hands with Chen Quan, was a little more enthusiastic, and his contact with other people was limited.

The two groups of Chinese quickly broke away from contact.

"What's the bullshit?"

Huang Chuxiong was holding the plate, and he was still a little upset when he sat down. "I asked. TSMC has just been established, and it doesn't even have a decent customer."

These days, no matter where he goes, foreigners greet him with a smile on his face.I met a cold face for the first time today.

What made Huang Chuxiong even more upset was that this cold face was actually a Chinese.

"No matter how newly established they are, they are much better than us."

Qu Feng didn't care much about it.The amount of investment is in the unit of [-] million US dollars.In addition to being rich, there are also people who provide technology and policy support. How can we compare?I heard that all universities in Taiwan have adjusted their professional settings for TSMC. "

"Really? TSMC hasn't started production yet, so it's so awesome? What is the origin of this company?"

Huang Chuxiong didn't believe it. "It is said that we are a planned economy. How can Taiwan do this?"

(End of this chapter)