In 1989, Universal agreed with Sanyo High Technology to distribute the Japanese company’s high-speed placement machines on OEM basis. At that time, this was a remarkable move in this industry, as such close co-operation between an essentially Western company and a Japanese counterpart was distinctly uncommon. But both parties had confidence in the arrangement, as each was quite clear about what it expected to gain and what it felt it was contributing to the partnership. On this basis, the companies have successfully evolved the platform along a path to address demanding production trends. In 2002, Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation acquired Sanyo High Technology. This has further strengthened the agreement, and the acquisition has raised the possibility of further product sharing.
EPP EUROPE 418
