Dear Readers,
2008 looks to be a very difficult year. In particular the high value of the euro, but also the large amount of negative business news is making conditions difficult for us in this country. While there exists a large number of projects in our branch, their progress is often rather like movement in a jar of honey - very, very viscous. Deciding whether or not to make an investment in the current market conditions is a very delicate judgment.
Predatory competition in the SMD placement machines market is growing tougher, with certain consequences: certain companies are being sold or outsourced. This results in entirely new market scenarios. Many of our competitors are in very difficult financial circumstances. We can only suggest a close examination of the finances of any future partner before making an investment.
For JUKI Europe, the first month indicated that it would be difficult to maintain the high growth figures of the previous year in 2008. Our goal remains, however, growth in double figures. And for a good reason; the new FX3 (see video) seems to be becoming a 'blockbuster'. Our entry into the 'high speed' market segment opens many new possibilities to us. Our project pipeline is full and we continue, as before, to generate new customers at a high rate.
In the first quarter, our sister company in the USA succeeded in completing its most extensive projects in the company's history. One of the largest American groups in the US defence industry, the manufacturer of the well-known Patriot air-defence system, invested in JUKI placement machines as a new customer. All existing equipment supplied by competitors will be linked together via three state-of-the-art lines, intelligent IFS-X2 feeders, full traceability and a complete ERP system. The order volume for the placement machines alone is over USD 6,000,000.
Also, read reports in the InfoEurope section on European companies that have chosen JUKI as a future-proof partner.
Using state-of-the-art technology on standard SMT machines is currently in fashion. But few companies still have the money to acquire special machines and processes. In the last six months JUKI has received six industry awards. All for new products that significantly increase process security.
Today it is necessary for flip-chip, flexprint and 01005 components to be placed using cost-effective modules. These are extremely difficult processes, and therefore co-operation with companies that have realised these technologies at an early stage of introduction to market, is extremely important for JUKI. Read also the article about our successful collaboration with the Microdul company.
At JUKI we are aware that success can ultimately only be obtained by means of highly satisfied customers. The customer is always at the centre of all our efforts. In today's buyer's market you, as a customer, can select from a large range of products. In selecting the correct partner, the organisational structure and each individual employee often play an important role. Only an organisation focused on the customer, one that is in constant development and that attains maximum customer satisfaction and the lowest possible 'OPEX', is likely to survive in the long term. Ensuring this is my chief task, and all of us at JUKI are certain that we can be a good and long-term partner to you. Also important here, of course, is a generously-proportioned investment plan.
To cope with current and future growth, the infrastructure of JUKI is being substantially enlarged. Learn more about this in our report 'We're Growing'.
The entire JUKI Europe team wishes you all the best and looks forward to meeting you at our stand at one of the forthcoming trade fairs. We will be presenting our innovative, flexible and reliable product solutions from 3rd to 5th June 2008 at SMT Hybrid Packaging, Nuremberg (Germany) at stand 7-452 and from 17th to 19th June 2008 at the NEW Show in London at stand C50. You can also find an overview of all our fairs and events at the end of this newsletter.
Yours
Jürg Schüpbach
President
Juki Automation Systems Europe
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