CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom,  – Cambridge Display Technology (CDT) has entered into a multi-million dollar joint development agreement with Tokki Corporation of Japan, a leading developer of engineering and manufacturing equipment for the global display industry and Nissei Sangyo Co., Ltd., as Tokki’s exclusive distributor.

CDT and Tokki will develop the next generation of Tokki’s volume manufacturing physical vapour deposition (PVD) and encapsulation technology for CDT’s light emitting polymer (LEP) displays. Development work will include the investigation of reduced cost encapsulation techniques, which in turn will extend the operating life and performance of LEP displays.

CDT has purchased a 14” Tokki PVD machine to be installed at its pilot development line, currently under construction, in Godmanchester, near Cambridge UK. The facility is expected to come on line in early 2002. Under the agreement, the two companies will work together to adapt existing manufacturing tools and techniques to enable the volume production of LEP devices.

Ken-ichi Tsugami, President of Tokki, said, “We expect the LEP display market to grow rapidly and this development with CDT helps us to optimize our existing manufacturing equipment and tools for volume LEP production. CDT’s expertise in LEP technology will be crucial to achieving the best results.”

David Fyfe, CEO of CDT, said, “CDT, as the licensor of LEP technology, has a business plan aimed at enabling the LEP display industry. Efficient, low cost manufacturing technology is key to the success of our licensees. This joint development with Tokki will bring focus to the achievement of this objective at an early stage in the commercialization of LEP technology.”

About Tokki Corporation
Tokki Corporation is a privately held manufacturer established in 1967 and listed on JASDAQ since 1991. Tokki has specialized in manufacturing a wide range of vacuum systems based on its unique technology, which combines vacuum technology with FA (Factory Automation) precise handling technology. Tokki was first in the world to develop a full automation system for mass-production of low molecular organic EL display in 1999 as well as supplying a polymer EL production system.

About Nissei Sangyo Co., Ltd.
Nissei Sangyo is a privately held global trading company that has specialized in cutting edge technologies from a core emphasis on scientific instruments & production systems, information systems & electronic components, and advanced industrial products and is a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. Founded in 1947, the company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.