Nikon (TYO:7731) aims to revive its semiconductor photolithography business by offering lower prices than Dutch rival ASML, which controls over 80% of the market, Nikkei Asia reported on Friday, citing newly appointed president and CEO, Yasuhiro Ohmura.
Leveraging in-house production of many components, Nikon gains a cost advantage, Ohmura explained, with the chipmaking equipment unit-his background-serving as the growth driver in a medium-term plan through fiscal 2030, the news agency reported.
He said Nikon is in advanced talks with several major U.S. and Asian chipmakers for new orders of its argon fluoride lithography tools, with discussions "nearing purchase orders", according to the report.
While Nikon once relied on Intel for 80% of such orders, sales have stagnated due to the American firm's recent struggles, the report added.
Ohmura acknowledged that aside from Intel, Nikon lacked a strong track record and had not yet earned trust in its support capabilities, the report said.
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