Trade association is key to German offensive

IC Mask Design has joined Silicon Saxony, the largest trade association for the microelectronics industry in Germany and largest semiconductor cluster in Europe.

IC Mask Design has joined Silicon Saxony, the largest trade association for the microelectronics industry in Germany and largest semiconductor cluster in Europe.

Building on its previous success in the UK, Ireland, France, Israel, and Italy, and spearheaded by Patrick Culloo, Area Sales Manager for Germany, Austria and Switzerland, IC Mask Design entered the German market in 2002.

Initially, the company won numerous contracts with leading semiconductor organisations for the provision of their IC Layout services.

Since then, IC Mask Design has developed a significant client base within the German market, and has also run several training courses therein.

Ciaran Whyte, Chief Technical Officer and Senior Trainer for IC Mask Design commented: "Globally, there seems to be a great demand for our 'Advanced analogue, layout techniques' and 'RF layout' courses".

"This is especially true of our German clients".

"One such client is Mentor Graphics, whose application engineers were trained in the 'Introduction to CMOS layout' course, provided by Master-IC Training, the training division of IC Mask Design".

"This technical training course was delivered in-house at their Munich branch".

Whyte went on to say: "We view our membership as an opportunity to further grow our training services, particularly in Germany and Austria, with the support of Silicon Saxony".

Silicon Saxony was founded on 19th December 2000 as a network for the semiconductor, electronic and microsystem industry.

The association connects manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, colleges, research institutes and public institutions in the economic location of Saxony, Germany.

The current number of members has risen to 220.

The member companies employ about 17,000 people and the total turnover of the companies is Eur 3 billion per year.

Dr Wolfgang Hermann, Project co-ordinator for Silicon Saxony commented: "Silicon Saxony are delighted to welcome IC Mask Design as a new member".

"Our association is particularly focused on the promotion and teaching of further training in the semiconductor industry".

"Having IC Mask Design onboard will undoubtedly provide us with much desired added value in this area".

"We very much appreciate the new partnership with this reputable Irish Enterprise and we foresee this union as an important step toward strengthening our collaboration with European associations and institutes".

Patrick Culloo, for IC Mask Design said: "There is tremendous support given by Silicon Saxony in the development of joint sales strategies".

"This is an area which is most relevant to my position as Area Sales Manager for Germany, Austria and Switzerland with IC Mask Design".

"I am particularly looking forward to attending the upcoming membership forums and to meet with the other members with a view to forming possible strategic partnerships in the future".

Fergal Brosnan, Chief Executive Officer for IC Mask Design added: "We hope to enjoy great synergies with Silicon Saxony".

"There are several immediate benefits to be gained from the membership including, access to new information and communication channels and of course new sales developments".

Back to top