Japanese semiconductor equipment manufacturer Hirata Corporation has partnered with ATS India (Automated Tooling Systems India) to bring its advanced automation and semiconductor manufacturing technology portfolio to India.

Under the strategic partnership, ATS India will serve as Hirata’s exclusive distribution partner in India, enabling local manufacturers to access globally benchmarked semiconductor equipment and automation solutions. The collaboration comes as India accelerates efforts to develop its semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.

India’s semiconductor manufacturing sector is still developing, with access to reliable backend equipment and automation technologies remaining a key requirement for manufacturers. Through this partnership, Hirata aims to address this gap by providing local access, technical support and advanced semiconductor manufacturing solutions.

The partnership builds on a relationship between Hirata and ATS India spanning more than a decade across sectors including automotive. In the initial phase, Hirata will focus on introducing its standard product offerings in India, with customised and application-specific solutions expected to follow as the market matures.

The technology portfolio includes Equipment Front End Modules (EFEM), FOPLP Load Ports, PLP Panel Handling Robots and high-performance Wafer Handling Robots. These solutions support precise, reliable and efficient wafer and panel handling across semiconductor manufacturing and advanced packaging processes.

Kishen Kavikondala, CEO of ATS India, said, “The focus of this partnership is on building the local commercial, technical and service ecosystem that Indian semiconductor manufacturers will need as their capacity grows over the next decade. The emphasis will be on precision manufacturing solutions, before expanding into more customised, application-specific offerings as the market matures.”

The partnership aims to support semiconductor manufacturing, backend and OSAT processes, advanced packaging, and wafer and panel handling automation. It is also expected to improve equipment deployment timelines, reduce dependence on cross-border support and strengthen local servicing capabilities.

John Derzy, Vice President, Hirata Corporation of America, said, “India represents one of the most important growth markets for Hirata as global semiconductor and electronics manufacturing continues to diversify. This partnership is not just about bringing a product or technology into India, it's about building long-term capability.”

The collaboration is expected to contribute to India’s growing electronics manufacturing ecosystem by supporting skill development, precision manufacturing capabilities and local supply chain growth. The Indian EMS market is projected to exceed $150 billion by FY30, driven by domestic demand, policy support and global manufacturing diversification strategies.

Through the partnership, ATS India and Hirata aim to support India’s transition towards a more advanced and globally competitive semiconductor and electronics manufacturing ecosystem.