FANUC Robotics 1997 Sales Hit All-Time High
19 February 1998
FANUC Robotics 1997 Sales Hit All-Time High
ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., Feb. 19 -- FANUC Robotics North
America, Inc. reported record-breaking sales of about $370 million in 1997, a
37 percent increase over 1996 sales. In addition, the company announced new
orders during the year valued at nearly $400 million.
"These figures represent an all-time high for FANUC Robotics," said Eric
Mittelstadt, chairman and chief executive officer. "More and more companies,
including many from non-traditional manufacturing industries, are turning to
automated manufacturing to meet their increasingly stringent production
demands. As industry specialists become more knowledgeable about the benefits
of automation, they realize that quality robotic systems result in a rapid and
significant return on investment. As the scope of our customer base continues
to grow, we look forward to increasing our product offerings and capabilities
to better serve a variety of industries in the years ahead."
Contributing to FANUC Robotics' banner year was the successful
introduction of four new robots in 1997. The M-16i robot, which sets industry
standards with speed enhancements of nearly 40 percent over its predecessor
models and a 16 kg payload, is designed to perform a variety of manufacturing
processes, including machine load/unload, material removal, waterjet cutting,
dispensing and assembly. The ARC Mate 120i is the company's latest-generation
arc welding robot, featuring the highest payload capabilities and motion
speeds in its robot class. Also introduced were two new cleanroom robots that
meet Class 100 cleanliness requirements -- the Cleanroom LR Mate 100i, a
compact, cost-effective robot engineered for a variety of lightweight
applications, and the Cleanroom M-710i, featuring the fastest speeds and
largest horizontal stroke in its robot class."
In an effort to aggressively address the growing automation needs of the
fascia, automotive component and industrial painting markets, FANUC Robotics
announced in February 1997 that it had purchased select assets of P.E. Black
Corporation, a Toledo, Ohio-based robotic paint automation systems integrator.
This acquisition has resulted in additional system sales, integration,
training and post-sale support, particularly in key paint markets.
1997 also represented a significant milestone for FANUC Robotics as the
company celebrated its 15th anniversary by breaking ground on a new 102,000-
square-foot Customer Technology Center, a 40 percent addition to the size of
the company's North American headquarters in Rochester Hills, Mich. Scheduled
to be completed in September 1998, the Customer Technology Center will serve
as a training and demonstration facility for the company's state-of-the-art
robots and robotic systems.
In August, significant changes were announced in the executive ranks as
Eric Mittelstadt was named chairman of FANUC Robotics North America, Inc.,
while retaining his position as chief executive officer. Appointed as
president and chief operating officer is Richard E. Schneider, previously
senior vice president of the company's sales, application and systems
execution activities.
"While 1997 was a landmark year, 1998 promises to be even better," said
Schneider. "Our sales and new orders are expected to exceed last year's
numbers, solidifying our position as North America's leading supplier of
robots and robotic systems. Our dedication to maintaining and strengthening
this leadership position translates into superior customer service, which
means providing the highest quality, most cost-effective robotic systems
available anywhere in the world."
FANUC Robotics North America, Inc., headquartered in Rochester Hills,
Mich., is a subsidiary of FANUC LTD and is the North American robotics
industry leader, with 1997 sales of approximately $370 million and cumulative
sales of nearly $2.7 billion. The company has 10 locations throughout North
America and more than 24,000 units in service.
SOURCE FANUC Robotics