Focus: The ASML way - Inside the power struggle over the most complex machine on earth

The author, Marc Hijink, was able to gain unique access into ASML which is very evident in the storytelling and the anecdotes shared. Marc Hijink’s "Focus: The ASML way" provides a compelling narrative of ASML, a company that has become a titan in the world of semiconductor manufacturing by mastering the art of photolithography. The storytelling in this book is both detailed and engaging, offering readers a rich blend of technical insights and historical context that traces the company’s evolution from obscurity to a global monopoly in an industry that underpins modern technology. Hijink does an excellent job of capturing the essence of ASML's journey from the quiet Dutch town of Veldhoven of no particular importance, this offshoot of Philips Electronics that was really paid no attention to by Philips became THE most important company in the semiconductor world. The author spotlights the dynamic duo of Peter Wennink and Martin van den Brink. Their combined leadership style, characterized by Dutch bluntness and an unyielding commitment to innovation, is vividly portrayed. Van den Brink, in particular, is depicted as a brilliant technologist whose visionary approach, despite interpersonal challenges, propelled ASML to new heights. Wennink is the “people person” and non-engineer of the duo who frequently comes in to the aftermath of van den Brink’s style both internally and with vendors and customers. This focus on key personalities adds a human dimension to the corporate saga, making the narrative both relatable and inspiring.  (Pictured above: Martin van den Brink on the left and Peter Wennink on the right) However, while the book delves into the strategic gambles, including bold acquisitions and mergers that defined ASML's path, I found myself wanting more emphasis on the technical difficulties and engineering challenges the company faced. The complexities of developing photolithography machines, especially the EUV (Extreme Ultraviolet) systems, are monumental, and a deeper dive into these aspects would have enriched the narrative further. The sheer scale of these machines, requiring seven jumbo jets for transport, and the willingness of clients to invest in untested prototypes for the promise of cutting-edge technology, underscores the high-stakes environment ASML operates within. The units may be large, but they are extremely fragile. The separated parts of the machine need specifically designed metal incubators to keep the sensitive equipment at exactly the right temperature during its travels.  The geopolitical context, particularly ASML’s navigation through the choppy waters of international export restrictions and its relationships with key markets like China and Taiwan, is well-explored. Hijink effectively illustrates how ASML has managed to balance these political dynamics both at home and internationally while maintaining its technological edge. The book also sheds light on the fascinating business model where customers prefer receiving imperfect machines for immediate use, betting on their lucrative potential and the company's ability to service and perfect them post-installation. In summary, "Focus: The ASML way" is a testament to a Dutch success story, detailing how ASML's relentless innovation and risk-taking have made it indispensable in the tech world, despite its low profile. The book's strength lies in its storytelling and the detailed look at the company's leadership and strategic decisions. However, for those intrigued by the technical marvels of semiconductor manufacturing, there's a slight yearning for more depth in the technical challenges. Nevertheless, Hijink’s work is a valuable addition to the literature on technology and business, highlighting the intricate dance of technology, commerce, and geopolitics.

Most people have heard about Nvidia and maybe even TSMC. But dive a little deeper and ASML is the company propping up the chip designers/ fabs. The Dutch are straight talkers and no nonsense types and it is a fascinating account of a people who are so inventive, dogged and determined to be the best in the world at producing machines that make chips. The personalities are big yet humble beyond what you could imagine of persons with such wealth but it is what drives the culture of the company. The need to collaborate is what built this company to where it is and it's refreshing to see that such a big company would take such an approach all in the name of delivering results to the customer. Very enjoyable read.

This book gave a very captivating account of the development of ASML and lithography in the chip industry. A great place for an interested layman to start reading and learning about this topic. I strongly recommend for those interested to give it a stab.

This book is an interesting read on the rise of ASML and the associated growth of Veldhoven. It reminded me of my native Detroit, with the rise of the Big Three, an associated manufacturing and parts supplier base that was unparalleled, and the related growth of the city itself. Detroit peaked at ~1.8 million people in 1950, then the industry and city went into decline. ASML was able to dethrone Nikon and Canon, among others. Will someone come along and do the same to them? I also think the book underscores how strong, successful, personalities leave their fingerprints on organizations. While all large organizations do succession planning, it will be interesting to see what happens after Wennink and Van den Brink retire. Lastly, the impact of American sanctions continues to unroll in a kind of slow-motion train wreck for ASML (and others). As an electrical engineer, I was almost tempted to research the various technical rationales associated with the sanctions and trade restrictions. With the rise of machine leaning and A.I., the chip wars will certainly continue.

Starts off great and ends with what can become a reality in the future. 2030d should mark a new era of semiconductor manufacturing

This book is a detailed review of the workings of ASML. ASML flies below the radar in the national media. But things are moving fast and this book is the best way to find out what is going on.

Great history book, but the translation may have gotten in the way of the exciting story of making one of the most complex machines in the world. The book is an excellent chronology, but lacks some of the behind-the-scenes stories I hoped to find. I was also looking for a better explanation of some of the science behind lithography. There were a few tidbits about using a water film to focus laser light, and a nice explanation about how tin reached the 40 nanometer level standard.

I had to pace my reading to savor the story. Great mix of components to the narrative. People, context of the business, the other businesses involved and the technology. The struggle to develop the technology that changed our world. Sort of like watching the Titanic. I know the ending. But it’s a fabulous book.