Universal and Hitachi celebrate 15 year agreement

Universal Instruments has celebrated 15 years of its OEM agreement with Hitachi High Technologies (HHT) to market the 4797 HSP high speed, turret-style placement machine.

Speaking informally, Heinz Dommel, Manager, Systems Division at Universal Instruments, said, "1989 marked the release of the first computer virus, cold fusion, and the first successful tracking of an asteroid by radar. That perspective shows how rapidly technology has changed over the last decade and a half. We have also evolved the 4797 HSP significantly since that time, but the partnership between our two companies has delivered consistent and tangible value to Universal, HHT, and our customers."

Since 1989, Universal has distributed over 1500 HSP machines and acted as the catalyst for continuous enhancements to the original platform. These have led directly to the latest high-speed placement machine to use HHT's technology, the 4797L HSP, which was awarded the 2003 EP&P Excellence Award and 2003 SMT Magazine Vision Award.

Dommel also commented on the synergy between Universal, HHT, and the market for high-speed placement equipment. He said, "This has been one of those rare partnerships where two companies with complementary investments in technology and sales/support infrastructure combine forces to market a product that delivers a consistently outstanding value proposition. It is no surprise that this partnership has been so successful for so long, and will continue for many years to come."

His words are endorsed by the February, 2004 announcement that Universal and HHT have extended the terms of their agreement for another five years, to 2009.