By providing an enhanced drive system for electrochemical etch process tools, the operational range, as well as the reliability, may be enhanced. For this purpose, a high torque electric motor may be used in combination with an appropriate power transmission, which may be attached to a corresponding tool frame at a height level that is above a corresponding height level at which respective chemicals are provided to the substrate under process. Hence, the probability for contamination by chemicals may be significantly reduced, thereby also reducing maintenance efforts resulting in reduced production costs.