A reactor for electroplating a workpiece includes a vessel having a ring
contact arranged to support a workpiece in a horizontal orientation. In
an embodiment of the invention, an electrode is arranged below the ring
contact, and a pressing member is arranged above the ring contact to
press a workpiece into electrical engagement with the ring contact. The
vessel may be adapted to contain an electroplating fluid between a top of
the ring contact and the electrode. In one embodiment, a movable
intermediate workpiece support assembly is carried by the vessel, the
support assembly being actuatable to lower a workpiece carried thereby to
deliver the workpiece to be supported accurately and precisely on the
ring contact.