Canon is about to begin constructing a new $345 million plant to build the equipment used in a crucial part of semiconductor manufacturing called lithography.
Lithography is the first step in building chips for everything from microwave ovens to defense systems. The machines involved in this process require incredibly precise steps and equally precise accuracy. It is part of what most people think of when they envision the large white clean rooms in processor manufacturing.
According to Nikkei Asia, which covers the industry and economics of Japan, Canon is expected to invest more than $354 million (¥50 billion) in this new plant in the Tochigi prefecture, a sum covering the facility’s construction and the equipment to produce these lithographic machines. more here