Verteq

In the world of semiconductor manufacturing, some of the most critical players are the ones you hear about the least. This is the story of Verteq, a company founded in 1985 that became an essential part of the silicon wafer fabrication process. While the specific founders' names are not widely publicized, Mel Simmons was a key figure who was with the company from its inception. Verteq carved out a niche by manufacturing specialized equipment crucial for producing computer chips. Their product lines included tools for cleaning, rinsing, and drying silicon wafers, as well as photoresist technologies and the power supplies needed to run these complex processes. Think of them as the creators of the sophisticated washing machines and dryers for the delicate wafers that power our digital world. The company developed well-regarded product lines like the Sunburst megasonics, SuperClean rinser dryers, and the Goldfinger single wafer cleaning products. As the semiconductor industry evolved, so did Verteq. In a strategic move, the company restructured into two distinct business units to better focus on its single wafer and batch process platforms. This allowed for dedicated management and innovation within each specialized area. The company's journey as an independent entity reached a significant turning point in March 2004 when it was acquired by Akrion Systems, another player in the semiconductor equipment space. This event marked the integration of Verteq's technology and expertise into a larger portfolio, a common path for specialized hardware companies in the capital-intensive chip industry.