AIXTRON AG yesterday announced that Hualei Optoelectronic Ltd., based in Hunan Province, P.R. China, has issued a purchase contract for multiple CRIUS(R) MOCVD systems.

The tools for production of high brightness LEDs will be shipped from Q2/09 through Q4/09. This contract represents AIXTRON's largest ever single order for MOCVD systems from China. Part of this order has been recorded as order intake in Q1/2009.

Hualei Optoelectronic President Daqing He comments: “Our investor and parent company is very keen to shift away from reliance on heavy industry and move into high-tech. We have therefore conducted in-depth investigations on the world-wide LED market; entering high brightness LED business is our strategic target for which we have decided to work closely with AIXTRON, as the strongest partner, to enable Hualei achieving our goals quickly and efficiently.

“We will exploit the technical expertise of international partners targeting a fast entry into the LED market in order to be ready for the market upturn. This, coupled with the strong reputation of the professional and responsive service we will receive from the local AIXTRON team will guarantee our success.“

Dr. Bastian Marheineke, Vice President Sales at AIXTRON AG said that Hualei's investment is very timely and representative for a China on the rise.

AIXTRON was the first company to install a commercial MOCVD reactor in China.

He added that the company is delighted to announce the contract, which is its largest single order from China to date.