IMTS 2010: Yaskawa sees strength in merger

Merger with Motoman to form Yaskawa America Inc. driven by "recovering" global economy

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Pointing to what they see as the growing strength in the manufacturing economy, Motoman Inc. and Yaskawa Electric America, Inc. have formed Yaskawa America, Inc. The Motoman Inc. operations, headquartered in Dayton, OH, will form the Motoman Robotics Division of Yaskawa America; the Yaskawa Electric America, Inc. operations, headquartered in Waukegan, IL, will form the Drives & Motion Division. According to Yaskawa America, Inc. Chairman and CEO, Gen Kudo, the new name will allow us to fully exploit Yaskawa’s position as the world’s largest manufacturer of AC drives, motion control products and industrial robots.

 “The global economy is recovering and we believe this is the perfect time to combine the brand name strength of Yaskawa and Motoman. Using the name Yaskawa on a global basis will strengthen our corporate identity and emphasize the strong global connection between drives, motion control products and robotics. Yaskawa Electric Corporation in Japan, which is globally recognized for innovative engineering and quality products, has always used the company name of Yaskawa. This brand recognition, plus Yaskawa’s powerful sales and manufacturing presence in Asia, Europe and the Americas will enable Yaskawa America to more effectively market our broad product lines,” Kudo said.

Steve Barhorst, President and COO of the Motoman Robotics Division, and Jody Kurzhalts, President and COO of the Drives & Motion Division, believe customers will realize measurable benefits from better alignment of their divisions. “Our customers will enjoy the synergies of closer collaboration with our sister division,” Kurzhalts said. Barhorst agreed and added, “Our combined capabilities will lead to more innovative products. We are particularly excited about the prospects for developing advanced controls technology utilizing the expertise and experience of both divisions.”

From an operational standpoint, both the Drives & Motion Division and the Motoman Robotics Division will continue to operate as independent divisions, retaining the same management structures, and operating in the same geographical regions that are currently in place.