In yet another customer acknowledgement of outstanding service, Toppan Photomasks, Inc. announced today that it has been awarded a Best Supplier Award from Systems on Silicon Manufacturing Company Pte Ltd. (SSMC), a Singapore-based joint venture of NXP Semiconductors and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd.

The award recognizes Toppan's performance during 2010, based on metrics in technology, support, quality, responsiveness, commitment, logistics and price. Toppan also received bonus points for supporting SSMC in meeting aggressive project timelines for new product introductions.

This is the fourth time over the last six years that SSMC has recognized Toppan with this award. SSMC also recognized Toppan as a Best Supplier in 2006, 2007, and 2010.

"Running an advanced wafer fab requires a wide range of specialized knowledge and expertise, much of it from suppliers like Toppan who are our partners in business," said Jagadish CV, chief executive officer of SSMC. "The people of Toppan Photomasks live up to the highest standards of the industry, and we're very appreciative of their diligence in helping us meet our delivery goals and our commitments to end customers"

"We're honored to again be acknowledged by SSMC, which has over the last 10 years established itself as one of the most versatile and capable chipmaking organizations in the world," said David Murray, president and chief executive of Toppan Photomasks. "They have a well-earned reputation for business excellence, and our entire team is very proud of winning their recognition.

About Toppan Printing's Photomask Business

Toppan Printing is the world's premier photomask manufacturer. The company supports the global semiconductor industry, from the initial launch of the semiconductor manufacturing process through commercial production, by providing state-of-the-art photomask technology. For more information, visit www.toppan.co.jp.

About Systems on Silicon Manufacturing Company Pte Ltd. (SSMC)

SSMC is an 8-inch wafer fabrication facility, a joint venture between NXP Semiconductors and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Since beginning operations in 2000, SSMC has grown rapidly to become one of the top semiconductor foundries in the world in terms of operational measures. Today, SSMC is offering flexible and cost-effective semiconductor fabrication solutions through the utilization of leading CMOS, embedded flash, Analog and Mixed Signal, RF and BCD processes technologies, ranging from 0.25-micron to 0.11-micron technology. For more information, visit www.ssmc.com.