Kyocera opens R&D center in San Diego

As part of a strategy to integrate KYOCERA's (NYSE:KYO) global research and development activities for wireless technologies and applications, KYOCERA International Inc. (KII), the North American headquarters and holding company for Kyoto, Japan-based KYOCERA Corp. (KC), announced the formation of KYOCERA Telecommunications Research Corp. (KTRC). KTRC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of KII, will become a key resource for KYOCERA's global R&D efforts in wireless telecommunications technologies. The new company has headquarters in the San Diego facilities of KYOCERA Wireless Corp. (KWC), a separate KII subsidiary that manufactures wireless phones and modules, and will have a satellite office in San Jose, Calif. KTRC's initial work force includes approximately 35 engineers and researchers transferred primarily from KWC's existing core technology group, with additional technological expertise transferred from KC. The formation of KTRC supports KYOCERA's strategy of integrating its wireless R&D efforts to better leverage technology advances throughout its global network of telecommunications enterprises. In addition to KWC in San Diego and KC in Japan, these enterprises include operations in Zhenhua, China; Bangalore, India; and an ownership stake in carrier KDDI Corporation of Japan. By integrating resources and promoting synergies, KTRC will allow these enterprises to bring innovative wireless applications and technologies to market faster and with greater efficiency. "Establishing a separate, consolidated entity to focus on technological research demonstrates Kyocera's commitment to lead the wireless industry through the deployment of emerging technologies," said KC President Yasuo Nishiguchi. "The results will be evidenced by an expanded portfolio of cutting-edge products and technologies supporting profit-generating applications for our carrier customers." Akihiko Endo has been named as president of KTRC. Since 1981, Endo has worked with KYOCERA's RF engineering group in Japan, where his early responsibilities included development of cordless phones, GPS receivers and cell phones (both TDMA and GSM). Since 1996, Endo has spearheaded the group's development of CDMA phones and 1x EV-DO initiatives. "With telecommunication networks expanding globally, KYOCERA's move to consolidate its telecom R&D efforts can only strengthen the company's ability to deliver the highest quality wireless devices and technology platforms to the market," Endo stated. "We have a great marriage," concluded KII President Rodney Lanthorne. "San Diego is a global center for mobile telecommunications research, as well as the hub for KYOCERA's North American operations."Source: PCBnewsline