Since Align-Rite acquired this manufacturing facility from Temic Semiconductor GmbH, Europe's fourth largest semiconductor manufacturer, we have expanded our technology capabilities and upgraded capacity at the facility to address the requirements for photomask products from semiconductor manufacturers throughout the region. Achieving ISO 9002 quality certification at our second European facility was an integral part of our plan to complement the strong synergies between our multinational manufacturing sites. In addition, we believe this certification strengthens our relationship with several prominent European semiconductor manufacturers and positions the Company for growth as the European semiconductor industry emerges from several difficult years.
Product quality is a key aspect of international trade.
The ISO 9000 series of quality system standards, developed in Europe in the early 1980's, were created to harmonize international trade by supplying a set of standards with worldwide credibility and acceptance. The European Community adopted the ISO 9000 series as part of its conformity assessment plan to establish uniform systems for product certification and quality systems registration. Corporate certification to the ISO standard is recognized around the world as a significant accomplishment, demonstrating the company's commitment to quality, customer service, and continuous improvement. Align-Rite International manufactures and markets quality photomasks and has grown to become the third largest independent manufacturer of photomasks in the United States and Europe. Photomasks, which are precision photographic quartz or glass plates containing microscopic images of integrated circuits, are used primarily by semiconductor manufacturers as master images to transfer circuit patterns onto semiconductor wafers during the fabrication of integrated circuits.