Edmund Optics Expands Executive Team in Japan
BARRINGTON, NJ - Edmund, Optics (EO), the preferred provider of optical components, announced the appointment of Timothy Paul Kennedy to the position of president, Edmund Optics Japan.
Kennedy replaces veteran Isao Wakasa, who pioneered the development of the EO sales location in February, 1994, and recently retired in May 2009. With Kennedy's background in both optical engineering and sales, he is aggressively developing new customers in Japan. "EO is dedicated to maintaining and building an even stronger presence by investing in manufacturing and marketing operations in Japan. We are a global company and our Japanese relationships and marketplace are a major part of Edmund Optics," says Kennedy.
Kennedy's responsibilities include sales, marketing, and operations strategy for the Tokyo team, as well as regional participation in the strategic sales growth for all of Asia. He brings five years of experience directing the sales & marketing team at EO Singapore, including the development of the Korean office, multiple Asian Web sites, and a fully translated Japanese Master Source Book. Kennedy has a BS in Optical Engineering from the University of Arizona and speaks English, Mandarin and is quickly becoming fluent in Japanese, allowing for quick assimilation into his new role.
Toshio Horii was appointed general manager, EO Akita, Japan after the completion of EO's acquisition of this plant at the end of December 2008. Previously known in Japan as Saito Optics, this new manufacturing division of Edmund Optics is highly regarded as a premier facility for precision grinding and polishing of spherical optics. EO has also made substantial investments in the plant's metrology, automated centering, and cleaning technology. A formal ceremony took place to honor the Saito and Edmund families in early April, with EO staff and local officials joining in the celebration. More than 120 people attended the event at Marushime Ceremonial Hall in Jumonji city Akita prefecture.
Horii who is a native of Akita brings more than 20 years of manufacturing experience both in the Unitd States and Japan working for US precision broadcast T&M, LCD, Auto mobile, Semiconductor and Robotics firms. Toshio Horii holds a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from Nippon Electronics College. "Horii's focus will be to further develop the factory's optical manufacturing capabilities, concentrating in the next months on training the staff on innovative manufacturing techniques and production planning with the goal of satisfying the growing needs of EO's customers," says Walter Czajkowski, vice president, global manufacturing.
The Akita facility's spherical expertise combined with the assembly strengths at EO Shenzhen and outstanding prism and coating technology at EO Singapore make Edmund Optics one of the premier global manufacturers of optical components.
Kennedy replaces veteran Isao Wakasa, who pioneered the development of the EO sales location in February, 1994, and recently retired in May 2009. With Kennedy's background in both optical engineering and sales, he is aggressively developing new customers in Japan. "EO is dedicated to maintaining and building an even stronger presence by investing in manufacturing and marketing operations in Japan. We are a global company and our Japanese relationships and marketplace are a major part of Edmund Optics," says Kennedy.
Kennedy's responsibilities include sales, marketing, and operations strategy for the Tokyo team, as well as regional participation in the strategic sales growth for all of Asia. He brings five years of experience directing the sales & marketing team at EO Singapore, including the development of the Korean office, multiple Asian Web sites, and a fully translated Japanese Master Source Book. Kennedy has a BS in Optical Engineering from the University of Arizona and speaks English, Mandarin and is quickly becoming fluent in Japanese, allowing for quick assimilation into his new role.
Toshio Horii was appointed general manager, EO Akita, Japan after the completion of EO's acquisition of this plant at the end of December 2008. Previously known in Japan as Saito Optics, this new manufacturing division of Edmund Optics is highly regarded as a premier facility for precision grinding and polishing of spherical optics. EO has also made substantial investments in the plant's metrology, automated centering, and cleaning technology. A formal ceremony took place to honor the Saito and Edmund families in early April, with EO staff and local officials joining in the celebration. More than 120 people attended the event at Marushime Ceremonial Hall in Jumonji city Akita prefecture.
Horii who is a native of Akita brings more than 20 years of manufacturing experience both in the Unitd States and Japan working for US precision broadcast T&M, LCD, Auto mobile, Semiconductor and Robotics firms. Toshio Horii holds a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from Nippon Electronics College. "Horii's focus will be to further develop the factory's optical manufacturing capabilities, concentrating in the next months on training the staff on innovative manufacturing techniques and production planning with the goal of satisfying the growing needs of EO's customers," says Walter Czajkowski, vice president, global manufacturing.
The Akita facility's spherical expertise combined with the assembly strengths at EO Shenzhen and outstanding prism and coating technology at EO Singapore make Edmund Optics one of the premier global manufacturers of optical components.
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