KLA (NASDAQ:KLAC) is a leading provider of process control and yield management solutions for the semiconductor and related nanoelectronics industries. Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Milpitas, California, the company develops advanced inspection and metrology systems that enable chipmakers to detect defects, measure critical dimensions and monitor manufacturing processes at sub-nanometer scales. Over its history, KLA has expanded its technology portfolio through research and strategic acquisitions, positioning itself as a cornerstone supplier to major integrated device manufacturers and foundries worldwide.
The company’s product offerings span wafer inspection, reticle inspection, photomask metrology, defect review and analysis, as well as advanced process control software. KLA’s optical, e-beam and computational metrology platforms help ensure pattern fidelity and yield optimization in high-volume semiconductor manufacturing. In recent years, the firm has also broadened its scope to include solutions for printed circuit boards, flat panel displays, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and energy storage device production lines, applying its core expertise to emerging high-tech markets.
With operations in North America, Europe, Japan and the Asia-Pacific region, KLA serves a global customer base that includes logic, memory and foundry companies. Its field service teams, engineering centers and R&D facilities are strategically located near leading fab hubs such as Taiwan, South Korea and China. This international footprint enables close collaboration with customers on process development and equipment customization, helping to accelerate technology node transitions and advanced packaging initiatives.
Under the leadership of President and Chief Executive Officer Tim Archer, KLA continues to invest in next-generation inspection techniques, data analytics software and artificial intelligence-driven yield management. The company’s recent acquisitions—expanding its capabilities in display inspection, printed circuit board analysis and electroplating process control—underscore its commitment to diversified growth. By integrating hardware, software and service offerings, KLA aims to address the evolving needs of semiconductor manufacturers as device complexity and production volumes increase.
