Tempe, Ariz.-based Amtech Systems (Nasdaq: ASYS) said today it acquired R2D Ingenierie, a solar cell and semiconductor automation equipment maker in Montpellier, France.

Amtech, a supplier of production and automation systems for solar cell, semiconductor and wafer manufacturing, said it paid $6.1 million for R2D and made a working capital infusion of $1 million largely for solar business build-up.

"R2D's unique manufacturing automation technology and expertise secures our current solar automation product offerings and we plan to utilize these capabilities to expand the automation solutions we can provide to our current and future solar customers," said J.S. Whang, president and CEO of Amtech.

Amtech said the purchase price includes significant contingent payments tied to R2D's successful product improvements, production and technology transfer.

R2D has provided automation solutions to the semiconductor industry since 1989, according to Amtech. R2D has also supplied equipment to Amtech for its solar customers.

"We are very pleased to become part of the Amtech team, which has positioned itself as a leader in providing solutions to the solar industry, and we believe that our automation products can significantly contribute to Amtech's future solar revenue growth," said Lina Derias, president of R2D.

Amtech said R2D made $797,000 in operating income on revenues of $4.9 million in 2006.