South Korean PCB automation equipment manufacturer Taesung (KOSDAQ: 323280) has reinforced its partnership with JOONGWOO M-Tech in the glass substrate sector. Following the initial delivery of its glass substrate manufacturing equipment, Taesung has secured additional orders, solidifying its position in the early stages of the market.

On April 24, Taesung announced that it would provide additional units of its self-developed TGV etching equipment to JOONGWOO M-Tech. This follows last month's initial delivery, marking a continuation of the collaboration.

The initial order was intended as a test batch to assess the optimization potential for JOONGWOO M-Tech's production lines. The fact that a second order has been placed suggests that the testing phase has proceeded smoothly, and Taesung's equipment is now integrating effectively into JOONGWOO M-Tech's mass production plans for glass substrates.

The glass substrate market is still in its infancy, with major domestic companies in South Korea setting up their supply chains (SCM) to establish full-scale production systems. As market leadership is crucial in such an emerging field, identifying reliable equipment manufacturers capable of maintaining stable yields is key. Taesung, leveraging its expertise in PCB DES equipment, has quickly secured customers by winning its second supply contract for the TGV etching equipment.

JOONGWOO M-Tech is a rising player in the sector, known for its laser-based micro-machining technology for glass substrates. The company has recently been working on commercialization with global major substrate manufacturers, and it began installing a production line capable of producing 5,000 glass substrates per month at its domestic factory last year.

In addition, JOONGWOO M-Tech has shown potential for collaborations with large clients, including companies S and L. The company is already in contact with major players like Daedeok Electronics and Simtek, with some cooperative projects underway. In Taiwan, a key market for substrates, JOONGWOO M-Tech continues to collaborate with large firms such as UC, Nanya, and Pryfo. Recently, there has been industry speculation about a potential supply contract with Appsolix, a subsidiary of South Korea's largest glass substrate player, SKC.

Taesung is expanding its reach in the glass substrate sector, advancing in the value chain. After the TGV etching process, the company is now negotiating specifications with major domestic and international customers for equipment used in subsequent build-up processes, including Semi Additive Process (SAP) for developing circuits on glass substrates, as well as equipment for development, etching, stripping, and CZ processes (used for fine surface roughness formation). The company expects further orders for its glass substrate equipment and an expansion of its customer base.

Following the CPCA, the largest PCB exhibition in China held in Shanghai in late March, Taesung has been meeting with several Chinese companies. These companies are particularly focused on Taesung's ability to supply integrated equipment that covers the entire process, from TGV formation to build-up, development, etching, stripping, and CZ processes. In addition to equipment supply, Taesung's ability to provide technical support for glass substrate manufacturing has also been an attractive factor for potential clients.

A Taesung representative stated, “Leveraging our superior equipment design, manufacturing capabilities, and customer service experience, we aim to establish a leading position in the rapidly growing glass substrate industry.”