BRAND SOLUTIONS

Putting all of the parts together

In an economic downturn, it’s unusual to find companies with the foresight to make large investments in their own businesses. But at Kester Semiconductor Materials, a global electronics company in ITW’s Power Systems & Electronics segment, a recent decision to invest in quality, innovation and new internal processes is helping solidify relationships with its best customers.

For 110 years, Kester has been supplying award-winning alloys, fluxes, interfaces and other materials that are critical in the manufacture of electronic components used in a wide variety of consumer and industrial products. Throughout much of its history, Kester relied primarily on a “one-size-fits-all” approach to serving its customers. But after Kester was acquired by ITW, a team was formed to understand and serve the unique needs of the semiconductor materials end market.

The Kester Semiconductor team identified gaps in quality, improved manufacturing facilities, and focused on technological innovation—even placing engineers on-site at the operations of key semiconductor customers to understand their needs first-hand, from the factory floor.

Leadership Perspective

Playing a part in global growth

Companies like Kester illustrate how, regardless of economic conditions, ITW’s principles of 80/20, innovation, and global growth can lead to long-term growth and profitability.

By following these principles and investing in its core capabilities, Kester’s manufacturing processes and research and development facilities around the world were reengineered; the business can deliver consistent quality and innovation wherever its customers are located. In addition, by dedicating a team of people to the semiconductor materials market, Kester was able to identify key needs and respond quickly with innovative solutions.

As a result of these efforts, Kester is well positioned to take full advantage of global growth opportunities in the semiconductor materials end market in 2010 and beyond.