Nikon Americas Inc, the US subsidiary of Nikon Corporation (Nikon), has purchased the US company Avonix Imaging LLC* (Avonix), Maple Grove, Minnesota, which since 2015 has been a strategic X-ray CT (computed tomography) equipment manufacturing partner to Nikon Industrial Metrology Business Unit (IMBU).
As a long-established imaging inspection services provider that uses systems from Nikon for both X-ray/CT 3D and 2D inspection, Avonix has a wealth of technical expertise using X-rays to investigate the interior as well as the exterior of industrial components. Much of this knowledge has come through joint development projects with Nikon and in particular through the manufacture of cabinets and manipulators used in large-envelope CT systems sold by Nikon IMBU worldwide.
Tadashi Nakayama, Corporate Vice President, General Manager of the IMBU said, “Merging the respective strengths of our companies will reinforce our position as market leader in 3D and 2D X-ray inspection and measurement. It will massively enhance our ability to deliver best-in-class, next-generation solutions to the manufacturing industry.”
“In the run-up to making Avonix a wholly-owned subsidiary, we worked intensively with them to develop and build new X-ray CT systems with medium to large inspection envelopes.“
“We recently launched a new model that realises the largest imaging area for a single-piece cabinet in the industry. Work on expanding this revolutionary machine series and other new products is continuing apace.”
Referring to the partnership, Brian Ruether, Co-Founder and Co-Managing Director of Avonix added, “Nikon’s proprietary rotating target X-ray sources and proven software combined with our expertise in the design of configurable systems, controls, and product handling create a customised experience for our clients, which can contribute to their efficiency and profitability.”
Jeff Diehm, Co-Founder and Co-Managing Director of Avonix added, “The historical collaboration between Nikon and Avonix has been rooted in the goal of mutual success for all involved, including partners, vendors and, of course, our customers. It is no coincidence that the goal of mutual success is at the heart of Avonix’s ACE Core Values (Authenticity, Competency and Empathy). The merger will result in enhanced value through the release of new and innovative products. We are excited to take our long-standing strategic relationship to the next level.”
Nikon and Avonix have been successfully working together for the past eight years to jointly develop, build, sell and provide services relating to CT systems for large-scale inspection. Together, the two companies will further advance the development of new products going forward, while enhancing the business by leveraging the customer experience, especially in the automotive and aerospace industries. It is notable that, in its medium-term management plan from FY2022 to FY2025, Nikon has positioned digital manufacturing as its key strategic business.
*As part of the acquisition process, Avonix Imaging, LLC has become Avonix Imaging, Inc.