BluGlass completes GaNWorks acquisition

ASX-listed compound semiconductor developer BluGlass has announced the completed acquisition of Silicon Valley-based contract manufacturer GaNWorks Foundry and successful installation and validation of gallium nitride (GaN) wafer processing equipment onsite.

BluGlass announced the acquisition of its former manufacturing partner in December last year for $US 800,000, made up of $US 120,000 cash and $US 680,000 in new BluGlass shares.

According to a statement on Monday from BluGlass – a gold award winner in @AuManufacturing’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers campaign last year – testing had confirmed “the n-side wafer metalisation, wafer thinning, and bar cleave equipment is meeting GaNWorks’ operational benchmarks in-house. 

“Product validation of new GaN lasers made at BluGlass’ Silicon Valley fab is also underway.”

CEO Jim Haden added that acquisition of specialist wafer processing equipment, manufacturing process transfer, and experienced GaN engineers will lead to faster development and production cycles for the company, as well as cost savings over the long-term. 

“We have moved quickly to bring these complex processes in-house, having now completed process verification tests, and commenced validation of our first vertically integrated laser lots,” said Haden.

“We are already seeing the benefits of having all processes in-house under our operational control, enabling us to quickly identify additional process optimisation opportunities, which are expected to significantly enhance production yield, reliability, and throughput. 

“With our wafer fab vertical integration completed, we are continuing to refine processes across the manufacturing supply chain to further improve laser performance, reliability, and repeatability.”

Picture: credit BluGlass

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