As Henan's semiconductor industry accelerates the construction of a local supply chain and tackles the reliance on imported high-end equipment, a homegrown company from Zhengzhou—Gl Tech Co.,Ltd.—is stepping up to fill the gaps in the regional industry.

Founded in 1994 with a focus on coal mine safety monitoring, the company expanded into semiconductor equipment after listing on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange's ChiNext board in 2015. Through three strategic overseas acquisitions and independent R&D, Gl Tech has broken foreign monopolies in semiconductor dicing machines. Its semiconductor dicing machines, core components like air spindles, and blade consumables have achieved localized mass production, making semiconductor equipment a key growth driver.

As a national "Little Giant" specialized and innovative enterprise, Gl Tech leverages capital and innovation to steadily advance semiconductor localization. It has become a vital force in Henan's push to cultivate a semiconductor industry hub in central China, demonstrating how local tech firms can drive regional high-quality development.

**From Traditional Monitoring to Semiconductor Equipment Breakthrough** Gl Tech's transformation began with a capital market-backed "cross-industry breakthrough." Before its 2015 IPO, the company focused on coal mine safety monitoring. Post-listing, it adopted a strategy of "stabilizing sensor operations while expanding into high-end equipment," using capital markets as a springboard for transformation.

In its first year as a public company, Gl Tech raised approximately 170 million yuan ($23.5 million) via IPO, funding upgrades to gas and dust monitoring systems and R&D platforms. This laid the groundwork for sustainable innovation.

In 2016, the company seized the opportunity for semiconductor equipment localization by acquiring UK-based Loadpoint, the inventor of semiconductor dicing machines, gaining entry into semiconductor packaging and testing equipment. Subsequent acquisitions of Loadpoint Bearings (2017) and Israel's ADT (2019), the world's third-largest dicing machine maker, solidified its supply chain from core components to complete machines, while expanding global client resources.

"By rapidly absorbing foreign technology, we developed a series of localized dicing machines, including the 8230 model—a 12-inch fully automatic dual-axis machine with world-class performance," said Jia Kunpeng, a consultant at Gl Tech. "Customized models for automotive electronics, CIS, and optical products have also entered mass production, achieving high-end localization."

Today, Gl Tech has established a full-chain layout in mechanical and laser dicing and polishing equipment, transitioning from traditional manufacturing to high-end innovation. As one of the few global firms capable of mass-producing dicing machines, air spindles, and blades, it offers tailored solutions for diverse applications. Since 2022, semiconductor equipment has contributed over half of its revenue, with steady growth.

**Tech Breakthroughs and Regional Synergy** Building on its transformation, Gl Tech has prioritized innovation, becoming a catalyst for Henan's semiconductor industry.

The company has invested heavily in R&D, with funding exceeding 1.1 billion yuan post-IPO and R&D spending consistently above 12% for five years. Nearly half of its 1,000 employees are technicians, well above industry averages. Its state-recognized technical center and a 100-member R&D team drive breakthroughs, such as the ADT 8230 dicing machine, certified as Henan's first major technological equipment in 2025.

Gl Tech supplies 12-inch dicing machines to global leaders like Onsemi, Microchip, Infineon, ASE, JCET, and Huatian, earning industry recognition.

Simultaneously, it translates technological strengths into regional growth. A 178-acre semiconductor smart manufacturing base in Zhengzhou's airport zone is operational, with Phase 1 capable of producing 500 dicing machines annually. Localized air spindle production, targeting 5,200 units yearly, has already reached 1,000. The project has attracted 12 supporting firms, creating a "one-hour supply chain circle."

Additionally, Gl Tech leverages its traditional safety monitoring expertise to advance smart sensors, maintaining leading market shares and fostering local collaborations, such as with Zhengzhou Winsen Electronics.

**Capital-Driven Future and Shared Growth** Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan, Gl Tech aims for multidimensional growth via "technology + capital + ecosystem," aligning with Henan's long-term industrial goals.

"The next 3–5 years are critical for deepening our semiconductor focus and exploring cutting-edge fields, mirroring Henan's push for high-quality development," said Zhao Wei, Deputy General Manager. "We’ll center on 'rooting in Henan, serving globally,' with systematic plans for R&D, projects, and AI integration—empowering both our growth and regional economic transformation."

Key R&D priorities include: 1. Expanding mechanical and laser dicing and polishing equipment to meet demand for high-end localized machines. 2. Enhancing core component localization (e.g., air spindles) to reduce import reliance and extend applications. 3. Scaling blade consumable production to broaden product lines.

Zhao noted this aligns with Henan's goals of strengthening innovation and advanced manufacturing, attracting high-end talent while supporting strategic industries like semiconductors and robotics.

From capital-fueled transformation to tech-driven regional empowerment and ecosystem building, Gl Tech's journey exemplifies how capital markets can spur corporate innovation and industrial upgrading.