On December 1, 2012, SAMCO released its newest plasma etching system – the RIE-600iP. Specifically designed for SiC etching, the RIE-600iP is the latest in a series of plasma etching systems optimized for compound semiconductors. “Next-generation power devices” are expected to contribute to energy conservation and become one of the key technologies in green electronics. SAMCO is confident that the RIE-600iP, and the rise of SiC-based “next-generation power devices”, will contribute to a greener environment.

In light of the recent devastation to the United States’ eastern seaboard caused by Hurricane Sandy, we at SAMCO would like to convey our sympathy to those affected by this storm. With over 25 years of presence in the United States, SAMCO has presented a donation to the American Red Cross, to support the recovery and restoration efforts in the affected areas. We express our condolences to all of the individuals and families who were affected by Hurricane Sandy, as well as our best wishes for a smooth recovery.

SAMCO is proud to announce a great milestone – the sale of our 3000th system! As pioneers in thin film technology, SAMCO has provided highly reliable plasma etching, CVD, and surface treatment systems over the past 30 years. On September 30, 2012, our 3000th system (specifically, a plasma etching system) was delivered to the Japan Electronic Materials Corporation. In celebration of this milestone Mr. Osamu Tsuji, SAMCO President and CEO, paid a special visit to the Japan Electronic Materials Corporation’s headquarters in Amagasaki (Hyogo Prefecture) and presented a memento to its chairman, Mr. Hideo Sakane. SAMCO’s memento (a digital clock) was received with great appreciation.

Every year, SAMCO donates to the Japanese Red Cross as part of our corporate social responsibility (CSR) program. Normally, SAMCO makes this donation at the end of each fiscal year (end of July), but in light of the calamitous East Japan earthquake and tsunami of March 2011, SAMCO provided additional financial aid to the recovery and reconstruction efforts at the end of March 2011. Although more than one year has passed since the disaster, and considering the lack of progress in restoring the afflicted Tohoku region, SAMCO once again offered a donation notably higher than usual. Henceforth, SAMCO pledges to continually support the restoration of the disaster-afflicted Tohoku region.

2012 marks the 25th anniversary of SAMCO’s OPTO Films Research Laboratory, located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Since its founding in 1987, ‘OPTO’ has spearheaded various types of research,and continues to push the R&D frontiers involving diamond, DLC, and other carbon materials. Together with SAMCO’s R&D center in Japan and Cambridge Laboratory in England, OPTO serves as a cornerstone of SAMCO’s global R&D system and contributes to SAMCO’s overall growth.

SAMCO has established a new service office in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to provide technical support and service to our customers in Southeast Asia and India.

SAMCO has developed and released a high-density plasma etching system, the “RIE-331iPC”, to meet the demands of the Asian markets. We will introduce the RIE-331iPC at SEMICON Japan 2011, to be held at Makuhari Messe on December 7th.

We at SAMCO extend our sincere condolences to all those affected by the massive flooding in Thailand; our thoughts go out to the victims and their families.

On July 7, 2011, the SAMCO Inc. board of directors approved a stock split (six-for-five) for SAMCO Inc. stock. Each shareholder of record at the close of business on July 31, 2011 will receive one additional share for every 5 outstanding shares held on the record date. Cash will be paid in lieu of fractional shares.