30th anniversary of ASML

Toespraak | 03-04-2014

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thirty years ago it was inconceivable, a telephone that takes photos. A navigation system in the car. And a computer that fits in your trouser pocket. We have almost forgotten what the digital revolution did for us. It is no exaggeration to say that ASML has been instrumental in these developments. It is very likely that the chips in these advanced devices were made with the help of an ASML machine.

But the history of ASML is not just about electronic equipment; it’s also about people. The story of the company’s founders is inspirational. In 1984 this group of pioneers moved into a wooden building next to the Philips factories where they discovered and developed new technology. Since then, the company transformed itself from a small business competing with major foreign competitors to a world market leader. Thanks to the machines built by ASML engineers, increasingly advanced chips are being developed. Every day ASML contributes to new generations of mobile phones, but also to smart automotive electronics and better medical equipment.

ASML’s story is testament to the confidence in the Dutch economy. At a time when many businesses in the electronics industry are moving production to Asia, the Netherlands has built up its own high value industry here in Veldhoven. Many machines are designed, assembled and shipped from here.

And ASML has reaped the rewards. In 2013 you generated a turnover of over five billion Euros and made profits of over one billion. ASML also provides jobs for over thirteen thousand people, eight thousand of which live in the Netherlands.

Other businesses also benefit from your success. The business’ network is unique. Specialised businesses from all over the world work for ASML to develop and deliver parts for their machines. The best knowledge and products come together here. Not only from major Dutch and international top companies such as Carl Zeiss and VDL Group, but also from many small and medium sized companies throughout the region.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Your president and Chief Technology Officer Martin van den Brink has played a leading role in this success story. He was one of the pioneers that began the adventure in 1984. He joined a group of Philips employees who gave up the security of a steady job for an employer with an uncertain future.

And the first years were uncertain. A considerable amount of money was required for research and development. Philips made considerable investments in the first phase. But when the technology giant went through difficult times itself and was forced to make cuts, it threatened the survival of ASML. Thanks to financial support from the government, the business was able to continue its development activities. Fortunately, ASML soon afterwards made its market breakthrough with chip machines, and was able to pay its employees their salaries. This makes the support for ASML a very good example of a government daring to invest in innovative and high-risk businesses – even in difficult times.

Martin van den Brink – as one of the first employees – is partly responsible for bringing the organisation to where it is today. His commercial and technological insight have largely determined the company’s course. He is driven by technological innovation and by the sense of wonder that accompanies rapid developments.

But he is also driven by the unrest that accompanies these developments. There is fierce competition in the chip industry. Consumers continually demand better, smaller, and more advanced technology. ASML's customers such as Intel and Samsung are always seeking new opportunities to create faster and smaller chips.

Research and development is vital for ASML’s future. Martin van den Brink’s contribution to research goes beyond just managing development departments. He has over ten patents and nearly twenty publications to his name. He was responsible for designing and managing complex projects, sometimes over a period of several years. The development of extreme ultraviolet lithography, for example, which makes it possible to create even finer structures on chips. Research into these new technologies meant a lot of hard work, and he cooperated intensively with universities and research institutes. Showing the strength of our top sector approach in practice.

Large sums of money, major interests, and high risks are at stake. Martin van den Brink bears a heavy responsibility for the market and technology. He also combines his involvement with nanometric research with visits to customers all over the world.

Martin, I know you don’t wish to overstate your contribution to ASML. Before you accepted your honorary doctorate from the University of Amsterdam, you said you didn’t want to claim a bigger role for yourself than the one you have now. And that ASML’s success has many fathers. Your modesty is admirable.

But your technical knowledge, boundless energy and perseverance have contributed significantly to ASML gaining control of over 80 percent of the global market for chip machines.

That is an exceptional achievement. You have shown a unique ability to combine excellent management skills, a feel for the market and outstanding technical knowledge. But your most striking quality is your trailblazing vision in research and development.

Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to say the next sentence in Dutch,

En daarom heeft het Zijne Majesteit de Koning behaagd om jou, Martin van den Brink, te benoemen tot Ridder in de [bijzondere] Orde van de Nederlandse Leeuw.

May I invite you to step up to the podium?

[…]

It gives me great pleasure to present you with this well-earned Royal Distinction. Congratulations!

Thank you.